Premier League Season 2011-12      August September October  November December 2012 January February March April May pre-season

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BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE 2011 - 12

Sunday 13th May Wigan Athletic v Wolves ko

Sunday 6th May WW 0 Everton 0 ko 2pm

 Wolves 0 Everton 0
FT 90 +5  HT 0-0

So, the lap of honour fizzled out just like the season did after the home defeat by QPR way back in the darkest depths of time, or last September.   One small attacking spurge a bit of life from Kights, and George Elokobi being welcomed back was about it from a most unmemorable performance by a most unmemorable collection of players.  Yes, some usual last ditch defending from Stears, Berra and Zubar and then George Elokobi who was given a prodigal son's welcome back by the South Bank.  SB also tried to sing and keep something alive throughout the match but even they were beaten by the lacklustre "lap" - across the half way line, round to the North Bank and straight back down the tunnel.  Singing for Steve Morgan to come on to the pitch was never going to bring a result especially after choruses of "F*** the team, let's build a stand" or "One tier, we've only got one tier" and some uncomplimentary comments about CEO Moxey.  The expected pitch demonstration didn't happen, just two wayward souls with foil FA Cups who got flattened by the stewards.  And the club couldn't even be bothered to name the Fans Player of the Year - preferring to do that at the Corporate dinner on Wednesday. 

Before the match the players wore t-shirts to support Jody and his son Toby, just diagnosed with Leukaemia.   At half time the Wolves Women took a proper lap of honour with their Cup and League double trophies.

Good news bad news from the E&S  http://www.expressandstar.com/sport/wolverhampton-wanderers-fc/2012/05/07/wolves-0-everton-0-match-analysis/

The Club said

Molineux bid farewell to Premier League football with a goal-less draw against in form Everton. Chances for either side were few and far between as Terry Connor's men drew for the third time in four games.  With Kevin Foley and Matt Jarvis were both ruled out through injury, in came Ronald Zubar and Stephen Hunt.  Everton kicked-off attacking the North Bank end but the first threat came from Wolves with Tony Hibbert clearing Kevin Doyle's cross as Steven Fletcher ran in unchallenged on the blind side.  Marouane Fellaini headed a Hibbert cross down to Tim Cahill but the Australian striker failed to get enough power behind his hot allowing Dorus De Vries to save.  In the 14th minute Nikica Jelavic ran onto a long through ball and looked on to open the scoring until Richard Stearman got back in a nick of time to block.  Then Hunt headed a Zubar cross back into the heart of the area, but Tim Howard intercepted. A Hunt corner had the Everton defence struggling to clear their lines and in a crowded six-yard box Doyle could only poke the ball wide of the post. James McFadden was wide with an angled drive after Jelavic's pass found him on the right of the home goal before penalty appeals for the visitors, after Michael Kightly challenged Leon Osman on the edge of the box, were ignored by the referee.  Stephen Ward was penalised for a tackle on Jelavic some 25-yards out, but McFadden's free-kick sailed high over the bar.  Steven Pienaar's curled shot was easily dealt with by De Vries and when play switched to the other end, Christophe Berra headed over after Hunt had lifted a free-kick into the box.  There was a chance for Pienaar who was in the clear after Stearman had slipped. But the defender regained his feet and got back in time to challenge the Everton man as he shot and the ball ballooned high over the bar.  After 28 minutes Jelavic did find the net but the linesman had already raised his flag before the Croatian tucked the ball away. It looked to be a very close call.  Fellaini's header from McFadden's centre was deflected behind off Zubar before a flowing Wolves move, in which Doyle released Zubar on the right, ended when Hunt shot over after Fletcher had nodded back the French defender's cross.

Half-Time: Wolves 0 Everton 0

Two minutes after the restart, Fletcher headed a Hunt free-kick back across the face of goal and Stearman, from a tight angle, overhit the ball as he tried to work it back into the middle of the goalmouth.  Fellaini headed high and wide after a Hibbert centre before a change to the home defence saw Berra limping off with a calf injury to be replaced by George Elokobi who was back from his loan spell with Nottingham Forest. De Vries parried a Jelavic free-kick after Karl Henry had been pulled up for a foul on Pienaar before both teams made changes - Sylvan Ebanks-Blake coming on for Fletcher and, for the visitors, Denis Stracqualursi for McFadden.  And, after Kightly had dragged a shot wide from the edge of the box, Magaye Gueye took the place of Cahill and Anthony Forde replaced Kightly.  There was a chance for Jelavic as he raced onto Fellaini's headed flick but he fired well wide of the far post.  Stracqualursi netted from close range with a quarter of an hour remaining but, once again, Everton joy was tempered by the offside flag.  The last worthwhile chance of the game fell to Ebanks-Blake but he was wide with a shot on the run from 22-yards. 

Wolves: De Vries, Zubar, Ward, Edwards, Berra (Elokobi 54), Stearman, Kightly (Forde 71), Henry (capt), Fletcher (Ebanks-Blake 61), Doyle, Hunt. Unused subs: Ikeme, R. Johnson, Milijaš, Jonsson.

Everton: Howard, Hibbert, Heitinga, Jagielka (capt), Jelavic, McFadden (Stracqualursi 59), Distin, Cahill, Osman (Gueye 68), Pienaar, Fellaini. Unused subs: Mucha, Barkley, Coleman, Duddy, Baxter.

Referee: L. Mason.  Attendance: 25,466 (including absent STHs!!)

The Beeb said (By Graham Chase)
 
Wolves avoided equalling a Premier League record of 10 straight home defeats with a scrappy draw.  Everton controlled the opening period, with Nikica Jelavic having an effort controversially ruled out for offside and Steven Pienaar also threatening.  The hosts improved after the interval but Everton still looked more dangerous with Jelavic dragging wide with their best opportunity.  But relegated Wolves earned a first home point since 4 December.

A fortnight after their demotion was confirmed with a 2-0 home defeat by Manchester City, Terry Connor's team finished their final home game with the kind of defiance that has been absent for most of the season.  With Connor facing an uncertain future and several key players, including Steven Fletcher and Matt Jarvis sure to attract interest from elsewhere, it will be a significant summer for the club. They finish their campaign with a trip to Wigan next Sunday.  Everton manager David Moyes will be frustrated that his team could not translate their dominance into a victory as they extended their unbeaten run to eight games.

Connor pleased with 'difficult' point
Moyes is also facing a pivotal few weeks and the Scot will meet chairman Bill Kenwright to discuss his future after the Blues finish the campaign at home to Newcastle.
Although they could not find a finish - a surprise given they had scored 13 goals in their previous four league games - it was the only thing missing from yet another impressive Everton performance.
Pienaar underlined why Moyes is so keen to keep him when his loan spell from Tottenham expires and James McFadden, whose contract expires this summer, also added creativity in the wide areas in only his second Premier League start of the season.
Leon Osman felt he should have been awarded a penalty after going down under Michael Kightly's challenge after Jelavic and McFadden went close.
The visitors felt hard done by once again when Pienaar guided a pass through for Jelavic, who produced a neat finish only to be called back for offside despite replays showing the Croatian appeared to be level with Ronald Zubar.

Round disappointed with stalemate at Wolves
Wolves only really threatened from set-plays, with Stephen Hunt lifting a shot over and Fletcher thumping high and wide.
After the break Fellaini planted a header over from six yards after being picked out by Tony Hibbert's cross at the other end.
Wolves keeper Dorus de Vries was at full stretch to push away Jelavic's well-struck free-kick and, as the game degenerated, David Edwards missed with a header from a cross from Kightly, who scuffed wide shortly afterwards.
Jelavic was wasteful once again when he dragged wide after racing clear on to Fellaini's long header and substitute Denis Stracqualursi had another effort ruled out for offside as both teams had to settle for a point.
Wolves manager Terry Connor:
"Everton have not lost in seven, they've scored four goals in three of their last four games, they're a team bang in form, so to get a clean sheet from our point of view is a good effort.
"It was important to try to leave the fans with something. If we couldn't win it then we wanted to take something from the game so they had something positive to go home with for the summer, and come back next year to support the club in its quest to be back in the Premier League.
"We tried to stay with the game, not concede goals, and nick something if we could."
Everton assistant manager Steve Round:
"The players are disappointed in the dressing room. We had enough dominance in possession and created enough opportunities definitely.
"We just couldn't take that defining moment, whether it was the pass or the final shot, and obviously we had a really good goal disallowed.
"I thought the second one was offside, Fellaini doesn't touch the ball but he does go for it, which makes him interfering. Recently we've been playing as well as that but taking the chances, and today we didn't."
LINEUP, BOOKINGS (0) & SUBSTITUTIONS (5)
Wolverhampton Wanderers
31 De Vries
05 Stearman
11 Ward
16 Berra (Elokobi - 54' )
23 Zubar
04 Edwards
07 Kightly (Forde - 71' )
08 Henry
12 Hunt
10 Fletcher (Ebanks-Blake - 60' )
29 Doyle
Substitutes
13 Ikeme
03 Elokobi
14 Johnson
20 Milijas
22 Jonsson
37 Forde
09 Ebanks-Blake
Everton
24 Howard
02 Hibbert
05 Heitinga
06 Jagielka
15 Distin
17 Cahill (Gueye - 68' )
21 Osman
22 Pienaar
25 Fellaini
07 Jelavic
14 McFadden (Stracqualursi - 58' )
Substitutes
01 Mucha
23 Coleman
34 Duffy
20 Barkley
11 Stracqualursi
19 Gueye
37 Baxter
Ref: Mason
Att: 25,466
MATCH STATS
Possession
52%
48%
95mins
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Everton
Shots
718
On target
110
Corners
37
Fouls
710
Live Text Commentary

90:00 +4:03 Full time
Full Time
The game is over, as the referee blows his whistle. 90:00 +2:30 Corner taken by Steven Pienaar from the left by-line, George Elokobi makes a clearance. 90:00 +1:17 The referee blows for offside. Direct free kick taken by Dorus De Vries. 89:02 Unfair challenge on Kevin Doyle by Johnny Heitinga results in a free kick. Kevin Doyle restarts play with the free kick. 88:08 Richard Stearman fouled by Denis Stracqualursi, the ref awards a free kick. Dorus De Vries takes the free kick. 82:57 Sylvan Ebanks-Blake is caught offside. Phil Jagielka takes the direct free kick. 82:05 Tony Hibbert takes a shot. Blocked by Stephen Ward. 81:04 Sylvan Ebanks-Blake produces a right-footed shot from just outside the penalty box that misses to the left of the goal. 79:59 Stephen Hunt challenges Magaye Gueye unfairly and gives away a free kick. Phil Jagielka takes the free kick. 78:47 Centre by Leon Osman. 75:23 Magaye Gueye takes a shot. Blocked by Richard Stearman. 77:56 Sylvan Ebanks-Blake is caught offside. Phil Jagielka takes the indirect free kick. 76:42 Steven Pienaar has an effort at goal from deep inside the area missing to the left of the goal. 75:05 Nikica Jelavic takes a shot. David Edwards gets a block in. 75:23 Magaye Gueye takes a shot. Richard Stearman gets a block in. 75:05 Nikica Jelavic takes a shot. Blocked by David Edwards. 74:28 Outswinging corner taken by Magaye Gueye from the left by-line. 73:55 The offside flag is raised against Sylvan Ebanks-Blake. Tony Hibbert takes the free kick. 72:58 The official flags Denis Stracqualursi offside. Dorus De Vries restarts play with the free kick. 72:20 Marouane Fellaini is flagged offside by the assistant referee. Dorus De Vries takes the free kick.  71:19 Nikica Jelavic produces a right-footed shot from the edge of the box and misses to the left of the target. 70:34 Substitution Michael Kightly goes off and Anthony Forde comes on. 70:07 Marouane Fellaini has a shot on goal from outside the box which misses right. 67:38 Substitution Tim Cahill goes off and Magaye Gueye comes on. 66:19 Michael Kightly produces a right-footed shot from just outside the penalty box that goes wide left of the target. 65:31 Michael Kightly delivers the ball, Header on goal by David Edwards from just inside the area goes over the target. 62:34 The official flags Denis Stracqualursi offside. Indirect free kick taken by George Elokobi. 62:15 The referee blows for offside. Free kick taken by Stephen Ward. 59:57 Substitution Steven Fletcher goes off and Sylvan Ebanks-Blake comes on. 59:35 Outswinging corner taken from the right by-line by Steven Pienaar. 58:58 Denis Stracqualursi takes a shot. Blocked by Stephen Ward. Outswinging corner taken right-footed by Steven Pienaar from the right by-line. 57:58 Substitution Denis Stracqualursi on for James McFadden. 56:52 Free kick awarded for a foul by Karl Henry on Steven Pienaar. Shot on goal comes in from Nikica Jelavic from the free kick, Dorus De Vries makes a save. 53:27 Substitution Christophe Berra goes off and George Elokobi comes on. 52:16 Unfair challenge on Stephen Hunt by James McFadden results in a free kick. Direct free kick taken by David Edwards. 51:47 Kevin Doyle takes a shot. Blocked by Phil Jagielka. 51:24 Nikica Jelavic is flagged offside by the assistant referee. Indirect free kick taken by Richard Stearman. 48:04 The ball is sent over by Tony Hibbert, Header from deep inside the area by Marouane Fellaini goes over the bar. 46:24 Foul by Leon Osman on Karl Henry, free kick awarded. Free kick crossed left-footed by Stephen Hunt. 45:20 Kevin Doyle fouled by Leon Osman, the ref awards a free kick. Michael Kightly takes the direct free kick. 45:01 The second half has started. 45:00 +1:17 Half time
Half Time
The players leave the pitch at half time. 43:40 Unfair challenge on David Edwards by Marouane Fellaini results in a free kick. David Edwards restarts play with the free kick. 40:25 Effort on goal by Steven Fletcher from just inside the penalty area goes harmlessly over the target. 37:35 Michael Kightly concedes a free kick for a foul on Sylvain Distin. Johnny Heitinga takes the direct free kick. 36:18 Stephen Hunt takes a shot from just inside the penalty box which clears the crossbar. 35:04 Foul by Marouane Fellaini on Stephen Ward, free kick awarded. Stephen Ward takes the direct free kick. 34:42 Leon Osman takes a shot. Save made by Dorus De Vries. 33:38 Sylvain Distin crosses the ball, save by Dorus De Vries. 31:38 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Ronald Zubar by Marouane Fellaini. Dorus De Vries takes the free kick. 31:38 Free kick awarded for a foul by Marouane Fellaini on Ronald Zubar. Free kick taken by Dorus De Vries. 30:13 Tony Hibbert sends in a cross, Marouane Fellaini takes a shot. Ronald Zubar gets a block in. Steven Pienaar takes the inswinging corner, clearance by Kevin Doyle. 27:23 Nikica Jelavic is flagged offside by the assistant referee. Christophe Berra takes the free kick. 26:35 Marouane Fellaini is ruled offside. Karl Henry takes the free kick. Effort on goal by Steven Pienaar from inside the penalty area goes harmlessly over the bar. 25:14 Foul by Johnny Heitinga on Kevin Doyle, free kick awarded. Stephen Hunt produces a cross, Christophe Berra has a headed effort from close range and clears the bar. 23:54 Steven Pienaar takes a shot. Save by Dorus De Vries. 23:33 Unfair challenge on Marouane Fellaini by Christophe Berra results in a free kick. Leon Osman takes the direct free kick. 22:54 Corner from the right by-line taken by James McFadden, save by Dorus De Vries. 22:29 Tony Hibbert takes a shot. Blocked by Stephen Ward. 21:37 Steven Fletcher handles the ball and concedes a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Tim Howard. 19:54 Stephen Hunt gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Nikica Jelavic. James McFadden produces a strike on goal direct from the free kick. 18:44 Corner taken short by Steven Pienaar. 17:51 James McFadden produces a right-footed shot from the edge of the area and misses to the left of the target. 16:47 Stephen Hunt takes the outswinging corner, Phil Jagielka makes a clearance. 16:14 Outswinging corner taken right-footed by Michael Kightly from the right by-line. 15:26 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Christophe Berra by Marouane Fellaini. Free kick taken by Dorus De Vries. 13:31 Nikica Jelavic takes a shot. Blocked by Richard Stearman. 11:25 Phil Jagielka fouled by Kevin Doyle, the ref awards a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Phil Jagielka. 9:19 Outswinging corner taken right-footed by Michael Kightly from the right by-line. 9:15 The ball is delivered by Stephen Ward, Sylvain Distin manages to make a clearance. 8:28 James McFadden is caught offside. Stephen Ward restarts play with the free kick. 7:33 The ball is sent over by James McFadden, clearance by Richard Stearman. 4:19 Tim Cahill takes a shot. Save made by Dorus De Vries. 2:59 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Steven Pienaar by Karl Henry. James McFadden delivers the ball from the free kick left-footed from left channel, clearance made by Stephen Ward. 1:17 Kevin Doyle is flagged offside by the assistant referee. Tim Howard restarts play with the free kick. 0:00 The referee gets the game underway.


TEAM NEWS

Wolves boss Terry O'Connor hopes to have on-loan defender Sebastien Bassong (hamstring) fit after he missed the 4-4 draw at Swansea.
Winger Matt Jarvis should also be available despite suffering a tight groin in that game.
Leighton Baines could return for Everton after recovering from a hamstring problem.
But Victor Anichebe (groin) and Jack Rodwell (hamstring) are both doubtful.
MATCH PREVIEW

Football fans across the country will doubtless have several stories to tell about Saturday, 4 February. After a relatively mild winter, it was the day heavy snow descended on England, prompting supporters to face treacherous journeys home.  Tales of abandoned cars, motorway closures and tedious hours of delay were prevalent as even the most devoted follower had their loyalty tested to the extreme.
Despite the weather, the Wolves fans who made their way back from west London that day, certainly didn't question their decision to travel to QPR, as their team had just secured their first league win in ten matches, to elevate them out of the drop zone and renew hopes of another season in the top flight.
Incredibly they've been winless since, securing just three points from the subsequent 12 games, to condemn them to the drop.
Perhaps even more depressing though have been their results at Molineux, where they've not been victorious since the first week of December.
Their spirit to come back twice from a three-goal deficit at Swansea last weekend may offer hope that they can complete their home assignments by ending that awful sequence, but in Everton, they face a team for whom the season's end will arrive far too early.
“
Victory on Sunday will guarantee Everton their sixth top-ten finish in a row. It will also all but confirm them as Merseyside's top-placed club for only the second time in 25 years.
”
In marked contrast to their hosts, a seven-match unbeaten run has seen the Blues climb to seventh. Victory on Sunday will guarantee them their sixth top-ten finish in a row. It will also all but confirm them as Merseyside's top-placed club for only the second time in 25 years.
The day after the FA Cup Final that they'd hoped to be in, it will be even greater incentive for Everton to ensure three points at Molineux.
MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head
Everton are unbeaten in their previous five Premier League games against Wolves and have won the last two.
The Toffees are looking to complete a league double over Wolves for the first time since 1975-76.
Wolves
Terry Connor is still looking for his first win as Wolves boss (D3 L8).
Wolves have lost their last nine home games - their longest ever losing run in the top flight.
They have lost 13 home league games this season - another defeat would see them equal the most home defeats in a Premier League season set by Sunderland in 2002-03 and 2005-06.
Wolves have taken just three points from the last available 36.
Sylvain Ebanks-Blake could make his 150th appearance for Wolves and is also one away from 50 goals for the club.
Everton
The Toffees have won four and drawn three of their last seven Premier League games.
They will finish above Liverpool for the first time since 2004-05 if they beat Wolves and Kenny Dalglish's team fail to beat Chelsea on Tuesday.
They have won just one of their last eight away league games, with five draws and two defeats.
Only the two Manchester clubs and Liverpool have conceded fewer goals than Everton (39) in the Premier League this season.
Nikica Jelavic has scored six goals in his last four league games.
Mark Lawrenson, Football Analyst, "Everton are in mid-table but they still have plenty to play for because they want to finish above Liverpool in the table and they are not going to relax now."

Saturday 28th April Swansea (Orlandi 1, Allen 3, Dyer 14, Graham 31) v WW (Fletcher 28, Jarvis 33, 69, Edwards 54)

Incredible is the only word to describe Wolves' game at Swansea. The Welsh club were three up inside 15 minutes but Wanderers battled back to take control of proceedings and a point from a 4-4 draw 
David Davis was absent after picking up an eye injury during training. In his place, as the only change to the side that started against Manchester City, came Kevin Doyle as Terry Connor opted for a 4-4-2 formation.

City kicked off attacking the end of the ground that housed around a thousand loyal travelling fans and they looked down in horror as Andrea Orlandi opened the scoring after just 24 seconds with a header that looped over Dorus De Vries following a cross from Scott Sinclair. And the situation very quickly grew even bleaker as Joe Allen added a second in the third minute. He ran onto a through ball from Gylfi Sigurdsson and from 20-yards hit a low shot that took a deflection off Richard Stearman's foot to deceive De Vries. A Michael Kightly corner was cleared as were two Matt Jarvis centres but any hope that Wolves had of getting back into the game looked to be gone as City moved into a three goal lead after 14 minutes. Orlandi beat Kevin Foley as he ran into the box and his cross was headed in at the back post by Nathan Dyer.  De Vries was getting the bird from the home fans every time he went near the ball but the Dutch keeper did well to prevent a fourth as he blocked from Danny Graham who had intercepted Foley's under hit back-pass. Steven Caulker cleared a low Jarvis cross as Doyle looked for an opening and, from Jarvis's corner, the ball was half cleared to Kightly whose shot from the edge of the box just cleared the angle.  De Vries made a routine save to take a drive from Orlandi before Steven Fletcher pulled one back in the 28th minute as he guided a header past Michel Vorm after a fine cross from Doyle. But it took Swansea just three more minutes to regain their three goal advantage. Dyer delivered a short cross to the unmarked Graham who had time to control the ball before firing into the far corner of the net. Two more minutes passed by before the crowd were treated to another goal and this time it was Jarvis that found some space in the home area to send an angled shot into the net after another good cross from Doyle. Incredibly, given the woeful start they had made, Wolves began to get on top and they had the best of the chances leading up to the break. Kightly's long punt into the box found Jarvis but home skipper Garry Monk got back to clear for a corner which was taken by Jarvis. The ball was headed out to Kightly who smashed a low shot that was inches wide. A short through ball from Karl Henry found Fletcher and his low cross-shot went across the face of the City goal and, seconds later, Stephen Ward charged through from the left and hit a shot that had Vorm at full stretch to knock the ball away. Doyle snapped up a miss-hit pass from Monk and looked on for a third for Wolves. But Vorm spotted the danger and he was quickly out of his area to get in a part block with Monk getting back to turn the ball behind before Doyle had a chance to convert. Just before the break Doyle headed wide after a cross from Ward.

Half-Time: Swansea 4 Wolves 2

Neil Taylor was an interval replacement for Orlandi as the game resumed in much the same way as it had finished - at breakneck speed. Inside the first two minutes, Sigurdsson twice went close to extending Swansea's lead. He hit the base of the post with a fierce shot from 12-yards and, when the danger wasn't cleared, he unleashed a long-range effort that drew an excellent save from De Vries.  But on 54 minutes Dave Edwards reduced the deficit to just one as he ran onto Kightly's through pass and calmly slotted the ball past Vorm.  Ward went into the book for obstructing Dyer as Wolves once again took up the initiative with crosses from Kightly and Jarvis only cleared with difficulty by the home defence. With 69 minutes gone Jarvis scored his second of the game to level things up. Edwards found Fletcher to the left of the Swansea goal and his low cross was turned in by Jarvis.  It was virtually his last action of the contest as he was replaced shortly afterwards by Stephen Hunt. Another substitution for Wolves followed with Sylvan Ebanks-Blake taking the place of Fletcher whilst Luke Moore was sent on in place of Graham for Swansea.  Five minutes from the end Kightly had a chance to win it for Wanderers but he fired over after Ebanks-Blake had picked him out 22-yards from goal.  Leon Britton and Moore were booked for dissent after the former Villa and Albion striker was adjudged to have fouled Christophe Berra.  Moore then had the opportunity to snatch a stoppage time winner for the home team when he beat the offside trap as he raced through the middle. But De Vries got in a part block and Stearman got back to block the striker's path to goal to ensure that Wolves to picked a more than deserved point.

Swans: Vorm, Williams, Caulker, Britton, Orlandi (Taylor 45), Graham (Moore 82), Sinclair, Dyer, Monk (capt), Allen, Sigurdsson. Unused subs: Tremmel, Routledge, McEachran, Lita, Gower. Bookings: Moore (90 - dissent), Britton (90 - dissent).

Wolves: De Vries, Foley, Ward, Edwards, Stearman, Berra, Kightly, Henry (capt), Fletcher (Ebanks-Blake 76), Doyle, Jarvis (Hunt 72). Unused subs: Ikeme, Johnson, Milijaš, Jonsson, Zubar.  Booking: Ward (57 - obstruction).

Referee: J. Moss. Attendance: 19,408.

Molineux mix says:Attacking areas Right wing 9% Left wing 19% Centre 72%

42% of the possession played in Swanseas final third against arguably the best possessional side in the league. And for once we didn't lump it to the wingers and hope for the best.

John Motson BBC Match of the Day commentator MOTTY'S VIEW...
"Wolverhampton Wanderers showed spirit and fight even though they're doomed. They came back from 3-0 and 4-1 down to draw 4-4 here. Quite what happened to Swansea's early superiority I don't think even they know. A quite unusual and unpredictable match at the Liberty Stadium."

Matt Jarvis's two goals spearheaded a thrilling Wolves fightback at Swansea.  In a breathless start Andrea Orlandi and Nathan Dyer headed in for Swansea either side of Joe Allen's low strike.  Steven Fletcher looped in a header in reply before Danny Graham's close-range curler made it 4-1, only for Jarvis to drill in from Kevin Doyle's cross. Dave Edwards burst through the middle for Wolves' third and Jarvis completed the recovery as he slid in to convert Fletcher's cross. Wolves arrived at the Liberty Stadium bottom of the Premier League and already relegated, and the early signs were that they would sink into the Championship with a whimper. Swansea took the lead within 46 seconds when Scott Sinclair, on the left wing, was allowed to turn inside and deliver a curling cross with his right foot.  Orlandi, who had not scored for two years, rose highest to flick his header over Dorus de Vries in the Wolves goal.  De Vries opted to leave the Welsh club to join Wolves at the end of last season and his former team-mates soon had the Dutchman stooping to pick the ball out of the net for a second time.  Graham and Gylfi Sigurdsson combined to send Allen through the middle, and the midfielder's shot took a deflection off Richard Stearman to leave De Vries stranded.  A third goal arrived within 15 minutes when Orlandi was allowed to drive into the left of the Wolves area before squaring for Dyer to head in at the back post.  Wolves' lackadaisical defending was catching and the visitors pulled a goal back as the Swansea defence dozed, allowing an unmarked Fletcher to head home from Doyle's cross.  Graham restored Swansea's three-goal cushion when Dyer was allowed two bites to squeeze the ball across goal for the striker to end an 11-game goal drought.  But back came Wolves as Doyle, this time popping up on the right, sent a steepling cross towards Jarvis to smash home despite Ashley Williams' attempted block. Swans manager Brendan Rodgers had started with an experimental 3-4-3 formation, but a knock to Orlandi allowed him to bring on Wales left-back Neil Taylor instead of the midfielder for the second half. Sigurdsson nearly extended the Welsh side's lead twice in a matter of moments, first hitting the post from the edge of the area and then bringing a fine save out of De Vries. Instead it was Wolves who scored the next goal, as Michael Kightly played a reverse-pass into the path of Edwards for the Wales midfielder to shoot low into the far corner. Edwards was also heavily involved in the 69th-minute equaliser, finding Fletcher in space on the left, the striker in turn threading the ball across for Jarvis to grab his second. Kightly had a late chance to strike an improbable winner when Sylvan Ebanks-Blake picked him out on the right, but the Wolves midfielder skied his shot over. A topsy-turvy game would not have been complete without one more Swansea chance deep into injury time, but substitute Luke Moore was well tackled by Ward before he could get his shot goalwards. But while Wolves will be in the Championship next season, despite their show of spirit, the point was enough for Swansea to mathematically guarantee their involvement in the Premier League next season.

LINEUP, BOOKINGS (3) & SUBSTITUTIONS (4)
Swansea City
01 Vorm
02 Williams
04 Caulker
16 Monk
07 Britton Booked
08 Orlandi (Taylor - 46' )
11 Sinclair
12 Dyer
24 Allen
42 Sigurdsson
10 Graham (Moore - 82' Booked )
Substitutes
25 Tremmel
03 Taylor
15 Routledge
17 McEachran
27 Gower
18 Lita
19 Moore
Wolverhampton Wanderers
31 De Vries
05 Stearman
11 Ward Booked
16 Berra
32 Foley
04 Edwards
07 Kightly
08 Henry
17 Jarvis (Hunt - 72' )
10 Fletcher (Ebanks-Blake - 76' )
29 Doyle
Substitutes
13 Ikeme
14 Johnson
23 Zubar
12 Hunt
20 Milijas
22 Jonsson
09 Ebanks-Blake
Ref: Moss
Att: 19,408
MATCH STATS
Possession  49% 51% 95mins
Swansea City Wolverhampton Wanderers
Shots 1015
On target 89
Corners    26
Fouls8 8
Live Text Commentary

90:00 +3:53 Full time
The referee brings the game to a close. 89:17 Direct free kick taken by Michael Kightly. 89:17 Booking The referee shows Leon Britton a yellow card. 89:01 Booking Luke Moore receives a yellow card. 88:43 Luke Moore challenges Christophe Berra unfairly and gives away a free kick. 86:36 Handball by David Edwards. Leon Britton takes the direct free kick. 84:39 Shot from deep inside the area by Michael Kightly clears the bar. 81:12 Substitution Luke Moore replaces Danny Graham. 81:00 Shot from just outside the area by Stephen Hunt goes over the bar. 78:25 Leon Britton concedes a free kick for a foul on Sylvan Ebanks-Blake. Stephen Hunt crosses the ball in from the free kick, save by Michel Vorm. 77:03 Free kick awarded for a foul by Danny Graham on Stephen Ward. Christophe Berra restarts play with the free kick. 75:02 Substitution Sylvan Ebanks-Blake is brought on as a substitute for Steven Fletcher. 73:58 Kevin Doyle handles the ball and concedes a free kick. Michel Vorm takes the direct free kick. 71:16 Substitution Matthew Jarvis goes off and Stephen Hunt comes on. 68:25 Assist by Steven Fletcher. 68:25 Goal scored  - Matthew Jarvis - Swansea 4 - 4 Wolves Goal scored by Matthew Jarvis from inside the six-yard box to the bottom right corner of the goal. Swansea 4-4 Wolverhampton. 65:11 Karl Henry gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Nathan Dyer. Steven Caulker takes the direct free kick. 60:50 Danny Graham has a header from close range and clears the crossbar. 59:59 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Steven Fletcher by Ashley Williams. Kevin Foley takes the direct free kick. 57:32 Matthew Jarvis decides to take the corner short. 56:42 Steven Caulker restarts play with the free kick. 56:42 Booking Stephen Ward goes into the referee's book for unsporting behaviour. 56:29 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Nathan Dyer by Stephen Ward. 54:55 Kevin Doyle concedes a free kick for a foul on Garry Monk. Direct free kick taken by Garry Monk. Kevin Doyle fouled by Garry Monk, the ref awards a free kick. Kevin Doyle restarts play with the free kick. 53:16 Michael Kightly provided the assist for the goal. 53:16 Goal scored - David Edwards - Swansea 4 - 3 Wolves David Edwards finds the back of the net with a goal from deep inside the penalty box to the bottom right corner of the goal. Swansea 4-3 Wolverhampton. 52:55 Joe Allen gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Karl Henry. Free kick taken by Karl Henry. 52:03 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Michel Vorm by Kevin Foley. Neil Taylor takes the free kick. 46:44 Outswinging corner taken by Gylfi Sigurdsson from the right by-line. 46:33 Gylfi Sigurdsson takes a shot. Save made by Dorus De Vries. 46:15 Gylfi Sigurdsson produces a right-footed shot from inside the box and hits the post. 45:01 The referee blows his whistle to start the second half. 45:01 Substitution (Swansea) makes a substitution, with Neil Taylor coming on for Andrea Orlandi.
45:00 +3:01 Half time 44:09 Headed effort from inside the area by Kevin Doyle misses to the right of the target. 42:18 Kevin Doyle takes a shot. Blocked by Leon Britton. 42:44 Corner taken by Michael Kightly, Steven Fletcher takes a shot. Save by Michel Vorm. 42:18 Kevin Doyle takes a shot. Blocked by Michel Vorm. 39:36 Stephen Ward takes a shot. Save by Michel Vorm. 38:53 Effort from inside the six-yard box by Steven Fletcher goes wide right of the target. 37:59 David Edwards concedes a free kick for a foul on Joe Allen. Garry Monk takes the free kick. 37:16 Inswinging corner taken right-footed by Michael Kightly from the left by-line. 36:19 Michael Kightly produces a right-footed shot from just outside the penalty box that goes wide left of the target. 36:02 Corner from the left by-line taken by Matthew Jarvis, clearance made by Garry Monk. 32:56 Assist by Kevin Doyle. 32:56 Goal scored - Matthew Jarvis - Swansea 4 - 2 Wolves Goal scored by Matthew Jarvis from deep inside the penalty box to the bottom right corner of the goal. Swansea 4-2 Wolverhampton. 30:44 Assist on the goal came from Nathan Dyer. 30:44 Goal scored  - Danny Graham - Swansea 4 - 1 Wolves A goal is scored by Danny Graham from close in to the bottom right corner of the goal. Swansea 4-1 Wolverhampton. 30:02 The assistant referee flags for offside against Danny Graham. Indirect free kick taken by David Edwards. 29:41 Kevin Doyle takes a shot. Andrea Orlandi gets a block in. 27:42 The assist for the goal came from Kevin Doyle. 27:42 Goal scored  - Steven Fletcher - Swansea 3 - 1 Wolves
Steven Fletcher grabs a headed goal from deep inside the penalty area. Swansea 3-1 Wolverhampton. 24:40 Andrea Orlandi produces a volleyed left-footed shot from 18 yards. Save by Dorus De Vries. 23:33 Scott Sinclair takes a shot. Kevin Foley gets a block in. 22:55 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Nathan Dyer by Stephen Ward. Free kick taken by Steven Caulker. 21:52 Corner taken by Matthew Jarvis, Michael Kightly takes a shot from inside the box clearing the bar. 20:21 Michael Kightly takes a shot. Ashley Williams gets a block in. 17:19 Danny Graham takes a shot. Save made by Dorus De Vries. 16:35 Foul by Christophe Berra on Michel Vorm, free kick awarded. Free kick taken by Michel Vorm. 16:09 Joe Allen gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Christophe Berra. Michael Kightly restarts play with the free kick. 14:42 Assist by Andrea Orlandi. 14:42 Goal - Nathan Dyer - Swansea 3 - 0 Wolves Nathan Dyer scores a headed goal from close in. Swansea 3-0 Wolverhampton. 12:10 Free kick awarded for a foul by Richard Stearman on Andrea Orlandi. Ashley Williams restarts play with the free kick. 11:11 Inswinging corner taken right-footed by Michael Kightly from the left by-line, save by Michel Vorm. 9:10 Outswinging corner taken by Gylfi Sigurdsson, save made by Dorus De Vries. 3:37 The assist for the goal came from Gylfi Sigurdsson. 3:37 Goal scored  - Joe Allen - Swansea 2 - 0 Wolves Joe Allen finds the back of the net with a goal from the edge of the penalty area to the bottom right corner of the goal. Swansea 2 0 Wolverhampton. 1:40 Nathan Dyer challenges Karl Henry unfairly and gives away a free kick. Christophe Berra takes the direct free kick. 0:22 Assist by Scott Sinclair. 0:22 Goal scored Goal - Andrea Orlandi - Swansea 1 - 0 Wolves Andrea Orlandi finds the back of the net with a headed goal from inside the six-yard box. Swansea 1-0 Wolverhampton. 0:00 The match gets underway.

Preview by John Motson BBC Match of the Day commentator

TEAM NEWS

Swansea's Steven Caulker and Nathan Dyer have recovered from illness and are fit to play.
The trio of Kemy Agustien, Ferrie Bodde and Alan Tate remain absent.
Wolves' on-loan defender Sebastien Bassong is missing with the hamstring injury he picked up against Manchester City.
Long-term injury victims Wayne Hennessey, Jamie O'Hara and Jody Craddock will not play again this season.
MATCH PREVIEW

Looking at the fixtures this weekend you would be forgiven for thinking that there was nothing at stake for Swansea and Wolves and that it will be a meaningless end-of-season encounter. The Swans are safely in mid-table after a stunning debut season in the Premier League, while Wolves' relegation was confirmed last week.
But pride means that both clubs will be up for this game as they are keen to finish the season strongly, for very different reasons.

LAWRO'S PREDICTION

Mark Lawrenson, Football Analyst, "Wolves are down and can play without fear. That should make for an open game at the Liberty Stadium, although that might be asking for trouble against Swansea."

Swansea have surpassed all expectations this season, but Brendan Rodgers will not let his team ease up. They sit comfortably in 12th place, just three points below Liverpool, and it would be a phenomenal achievement if they not only secure a top-half finish but also go above the Reds.
Of course, success for Swansea is a double-edged sword: the better they do, the more speculation will rage on the future of Rodgers. He has already been linked with Tottenham should Harry Redknapp leave for England.

As for Wolves, manager Terry Connor's future is up in the air for vastly different reasons. He will not want to end the campaign without winning a single game in charge, having managed just two draws in 10 games since taking over from Mick McCarthy.
Wolves' last win came at QPR back on 4 February, just nine days before McCarthy was sacked following the 5-1 defeat at home by West Brom.
We will never know what would have happened to Wolves if they had not dismissed McCarthy but their fate is sealed and the board will already be planning for the future. Whether Connor figures in that remains to be seen.
Four goals in nine matches has seen them exit the Premier League with barely a whimper and their already irate fans need a lift; it's time for their players to restore some pride.

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head
Wolves scored twice in the last six minutes to salvage a 2-2 draw with Swansea in this season's reverse fixture at Molineux.
Prior to this season, the teams had met just twice before in the top flight - in the 1981-82 season. They drew 0-0 at Swansea, with the Swans winning 1-0 at Molineux.
Wolves have only lost on five of their 16 previous visits to Swansea in all competitions.
 
Swansea have picked up more points against teams currently in the top half of the table (22) than they have against teams in the bottom half (21).
The Swans have only managed one win in their last six league games.
They have committed just 297 fouls this season, fewer than any other top-flight side.
Danny Graham has not scored in his last 10 Premier League games, having scored 10 goals in his first 23 league games.
 
Wolves have only earned two points out of the last available 33.
They matched Manchester City's pass completion rate of 83 percent in last weekend's defeat.
The relegated side have scored just four goals in their last nine league games.
A Wolves striker last scored a goal two months ago when Kevin Doyle was on target against Newcastle. Steven Fletcher last scored in a league game on 12 February and Sylvan Ebanks Blake on 20 December.

Sunday 22nd April  WW v Mancester City ko 4pm Live on Sky

 Well done to both TC and Karl Henry for facing the cameras after going down and out.  As London Wolves sponsored player Dorus De Vries made some good saves.  Welcome back to the “Division from Hell”

Wolves 0  Manchester City 2 (Aguero 27, Nasri 74)

'We're going to Barnsley' sang the South Bank as the trapdoor to the Championship opened for Wolves following a spirited but fruitless display against title changing Manchester City.  The Molineux side waved farewell to their Premier League status as their big spending opponents netted a goal in each half to set up a mammoth meeting with arch rivals Manchester United next weekend.
Terry Connor made four changes to his starting line-up. There was the enforced switch of keepers with Dorus De Vries making his Premier League debut in place of the injured Wayne Hennessey, whilst Sebastien Bassong returned from suspension in place of Christophe Berra, and Matt Jarvis and Dave Edwards replaced Anthony Forde and Sylvan Ebanks-Blake.  City kicked-off attacking the South Bank end and after just 17 seconds as Carlos Tevez sprinted forwards and let go a shot from 20-yards that wasn't too far over. Wolves responded with a Michael Kightly corner that was half cleared to Bassong who hit a terrific drive that was deflected inches over the angle.  De Vries punched clear a Samir Nasri corner but the keeper was relieved to see Sergio Aguero's angled shot drift wide of the far post after the Argentinian had run through from what looked like an offside position.  In the 13th minute it took a flying save from England keeper Joe Hart to deny David Davis who hit a fierce drive from the edge of the 'D' after Steven Fletcher had teed the ball up for the youngster. An inch perfect through ball from Pablo Zabaleta put Nasri through on goal but he fired inches wide of the far post before Aguero worked a shooting position for himself before driving wide of the mark. City's one touch football in and around the home area was a constant nightmare for the Wanderers defence and after an intricate build up Tevez hit an angled shot that De Vries dived to save. But the keeper stood no chance as Aguero put City ahead in the 27th minute. He ran onto Gael Clichy's defence splitting through ball and slotted the ball past the unprotected De Vries. It could have been two after Nasri set up Tevez but the Argentinian lifted his shot into the arms of De Vries.  No-one could fault Wolves for lack of effort and there was a chance when Kightly broke down the right and fired over a cross that Fletcher couldn't quite reach at the back stick.

Half-Time: Wolves 0 City 1

Jarvis used his speed on the left to get by Zabaleta who got back to block the winger's low cross after he had cut into the box.  After Kightly took a return pass from Davis his centre was cleared to Jarvis who was far too high with a long range effort.  Yaya Toure went into the book for a late challenge on Kightly and from Karl Henry's free-kick Bassong nodded the ball across to Fletcher whose header drew anther fine save from Hart.  On the hour mark Kevin Doyle replaced Edwards and seconds later Richard Stearman had to turn behind a low cross from Tevez. Stearman then blocked from Tevez who had dispossessed Henry.  A dubious decision, not the first that Wolves have suffered this season by a long stretch, led to City going two up on 74 minutes. Davis was deemed to have fouled Tevez who took the free-kick finding Clichy who quickly returned the ball to him and his low cross ran through for Nasri to drive into the far corner.  A minute later, both Bassong, who was injured in the build-up to the goal, and Tevez, were substituted by Berra and Adam Johnson respectively. Within seconds of Johnson's introduction he drew a fine save from De Vries with a low drive that had the keeper at full stretch.  Aguero wasted the chance of a third when he hesitated when clean through allowing Stearman to get back and De Vries to save.  The Dutch keeper then made a superb stop from Stearman whose headed attempt to clear Zabaleta's centre was bound for the back of the net.  In stoppage time Yaya Toure fired narrowly wide as the heavens opened. But neither the rain, nor relegation, could dampen the spirits of the home supporters who sang loud and proud to the final whistle and beyond.

Wolves: De Vries, Foley, Ward, Davis, Bassong (Berra 75), Stearman, Kightly, Henry (capt), Fletcher (Ebanks-Blake 77), Edwards (Doyle 61), Jarvis. Unused subs: Ikeme, R. Johnson, Milijaš, Zubar.

City: Hart, Kompany (capt), Lescott, Clichy, Zabaleta, Y. Toure, Barry, Silva (De Jong 59), Nasri (K. Toure 86), Tevez (A. Johnson 75), Aguero. Unused subs: Pantilimon, Kolarov, Milner, Dzeko. Booking: Y. Toure (57 - foul).

Referee: L. Probert.  Attendance: 24,576.


Beeb
Goals from Sergio Aguero and Samir Nasri saw Manchester City relegate Wolves and move to within three points of leaders Manchester United.  Both sides had early chances before City took control and Aguero slid them ahead from Gael Clichy's superb cross.  Joe Hart made an excellent save to deny Steven Fletcher as Wolves worked hard to level, but Nasri slotted in to earn his side a vital win in the title race.  If City beat United at home on 30 April they will be top with two games left. Their goal difference is six superior to that of their local rivals and all eyes will now be on that meeting at Etihad Stadium.  City spent much of the season in top spot but their defeat at Arsenal on 8 April left them eight points behind United with six games remaining. Suddenly, though, they are very much back in contention and it promises to be a thrilling end to the campaign.

The same can not be said for Wolves, who drop into the Championship after three years in the top flight. Terry Connor's side have lost a club-record nine successive home games and are without a win of any description since 4 February.  They needed little motivating for a match of this magnitude and produced a spirited display but City, buoyed by news of United's 4-4 draw against Everton earlier on Sunday, ground out a professional win. Carlos Tevez fired just over the bar after only 17 seconds and at the other end Sebastien Bassong's shot was deflected narrowly wide. Aguero then drilled across the face of goal before David Davis forced Hart into a fine save with a powerful effort from 18 yards.
City seemed intent on moving the ball wide, letting full-backs Pablo Zabaleta and Clichy stretch Wolves and create space for Aguero and Tevez. Zabaleta and David Silva combined well on the right to slip Nasri through on goal, but the Frenchman dragged wide of the far post. Aguero was again off-target on 20 minutes but there would be no mistake at the end of his side's next foray forward.  Clichy nutmegged Michael Kightly before curling a delightful low pass to Aguero, who kept his footing to stab a finish past Dorus de Vries.

Wolves not good enough - Connor
Wolves deserve credit for their positive response and it took a superb diving save from Hart to repel Fletcher's header shortly after half-time.
City had now lost their earlier rhythm, they were misplacing passes and Mancini introduced Nigel de Jong for Silva.
It may not have been an attacking move but City actually looked more composed with De Jong on the field, and they duly ended the contest.
Tevez took a quick free-kick, squared for Nasri and he benefited from Bassong pulling a hamstring to coolly slot past De Vries.
Wolves were furious with referee Lee Probert's decision to penalise Davis for his challenge on Tevez, but their protests were in vain.
City celebrated as Wolves commiserated. The full-time whistle sounded as torrential rain arrived, an apt conclusion to their Premier League stay

Wolverhampton Wanderer
31 De Vries
05 Stearman
11 Ward
21 Bassong (Berra - 75' )
32 Foley
04 Edwards (Doyle - 61' )
07 Kightly
08 Henry
17 Jarvis
26 Davis
10 Fletcher (Ebanks-Blake - 77' )
Substitutes
13 Ikeme
14 Johnson
16 Berra
23 Zubar
20 Milijas
09 Ebanks-Blake
29 Doyle
Manchester City
25 Hart
04 Kompany
05 Zabaleta
06 Lescott
22 Clichy
18 Barry
19 Nasri (K Toure - 86' )
21 Silva (De Jong - 59' )
42 Y Toure Booked
16 Aguero
32 Tevez (Johnson - 75' )
Substitutes
30 Pantilimon
13 Kolarov
28 K Toure
07 Milner
11 Johnson
34 De Jong
10 Dzeko
Ref: Probert
Att: 24,576
MATCH STATS
Wolverhampton Wanderers Manchester City
Possession51%49%
Shots717
On target49
Corners74
Fouls610

Half Time Stats
Wolverhampton Wanderers  Manchester City
Possession   48%52%
Shots310
On target24
Corners41
Fouls14


90:00 +2:53 Full time
Full Time
The referee brings the game to a close. 90:00 +1:51 Nigel De Jong concedes a free kick for a foul on Sylvan Ebanks-Blake. Kevin Foley takes the direct free kick. 90:00 +1:29 Gnegneri Toure Yaya has an effort at goal from just outside the box which goes wide of the right-hand upright. 86:25 Foul by Michael Kightly on Gael Clichy, free kick awarded. Free kick taken by Joe Hart. 84:25 Substitution
Substitution
Kolo Toure on for Samir Nasri. 84:25 Samir Nasri takes a outswinging corner from the right by-line to the near post, Header from close range by Joleon Lescott misses to the right of the goal. 83:14 David Davis takes a shot. Save by Joe Hart. 81:20 Nigel De Jong is penalised for a handball. Free kick taken by Dorus De Vries. 78:51 Corner taken by Matthew Jarvis from the left by-line played to the near post, Gareth Barry makes a clearance. 77:54 Pablo Zabaleta is penalised for a handball. Stephen Ward restarts play with the free kick. 76:27 Substitution
Substitution
Sylvan Ebanks-Blake is brought on as a substitute for Steven Fletcher. 75:52 Inswinging corner taken from the left by-line by Samir Nasri, Kevin Foley manages to make a clearance. 75:44 Adam Johnson takes a shot. Save by Dorus De Vries. 73:01 David Davis concedes a free kick for a foul on Carlos Tevez. Carlos Tevez takes the free kick. 74:19 Substitution Adam Johnson replaces Carlos Tevez. 74:19 Substitution Christophe Berra on for Sebastien Bassong. 73:08 Assist on the goal came from Carlos Tevez. 73:08 Goal scored Goal - Samir Nasri - Wolves 0 - 2 Man City Samir Nasri scores a goal from deep inside the penalty area to the bottom left corner of the goal. Wolverhampton 0-2 Man City. 73:01 Foul by David Davis on Carlos Tevez, free kick awarded. Carlos Tevez restarts play with the free kick. 72:23 Corner taken by Michael Kightly from the right by-line to the near post, clearance by Gael Clichy. 71:54 Nigel De Jong challenges Michael Kightly unfairly and gives away a free kick. Free kick taken by Michael Kightly. 70:12 Carlos Tevez takes a shot. Blocked by Richard Stearman. 69:41 Free kick awarded for a foul by Kevin Doyle on Gareth Barry. Direct free kick taken by Gareth Barry. 66:37 Michael Kightly has an effort at goal from just outside the box which goes wide of the left-hand post. 65:44 Free kick awarded for a foul by Gael Clichy on Michael Kightly. Free kick taken by Michael Kightly. 65:15 The offside flag is raised against Carlos Tevez. Kevin Foley restarts play with the free kick. 61:49 Corner taken by Samir Nasri from the left by-line, save by Dorus De Vries. 60:31 Substitution Kevin Doyle comes on in place of David Edwards. 59:36 Free kick awarded for a foul by Sebastien Bassong on Carlos Tevez. Direct free kick taken by Nigel De Jong. 58:22 Vincent Kompany takes the indirect free kick. 58:22 Substitution David Silva goes off and Nigel De Jong comes on. 58:22 The referee blows for offside against David Edwards. 57:54 Free kick awarded for a foul by David Davis on Gnegneri Toure Yaya. Gareth Barry takes the direct free kick. 56:53 Corner taken right-footed by Michael Kightly, Pablo Zabaleta makes a clearance. 55:13 The free kick is swung in right-footed by Karl Henry. Steven Fletcher takes a shot. Joe Hart makes a save. 55:13 Booking Caution for Gnegneri Toure Yaya. 55:09 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Michael Kightly by Gnegneri Toure Yaya. 53:33 Matthew Jarvis produces a right-footed shot from outside the penalty box and misses right. 53:04 Carlos Tevez takes a shot. Richard Stearman gets a block in. 47:39 Carlos Tevez gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on David Edwards. David Davis restarts play with the free kick. 45:01 The game restarts for the second half. 45:00 +1:10 Half time
Half Time
The referee blows for half time. 45:00 +0:29 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on David Davis by Gareth Barry. Direct free kick taken by Stephen Ward. 43:53 The official flags Carlos Tevez offside. Stephen Ward restarts play with the free kick. 43:26 Steven Fletcher is ruled offside. Indirect free kick taken by Vincent Kompany. 38:45 Carlos Tevez takes a shot. Sebastien Bassong gets a block in. 33:40 Steven Fletcher fouled by Vincent Kompany, the ref awards a free kick. Stephen Ward takes the direct free kick. 33:20 Carlos Tevez takes a shot. Save made by Dorus De Vries. 31:27 Michael Kightly gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Gael Clichy. The free kick is delivered right-footed by Samir Nasri from left wing, clearance by Richard Stearman. 30:22 The referee blows for offside against Sergio Aguero. Dorus De Vries takes the free kick. 28:56 Pablo Zabaleta concedes a free kick for a foul on Matthew Jarvis. The free kick is swung in right-footed by Matthew Jarvis, Joe Hart makes a save. 28:21 The assistant referee flags for offside against Samir Nasri. Stephen Ward takes the free kick. 26:40 Assist by Gael Clichy. 26:40 Goal scored  Goal - Sergio Aguero - Wolves 0 - 1 Man City Sergio Aguero gets on the score sheet with a goal from deep inside the penalty box to the bottom right corner of the goal. Wolverhampton 0-1 Man City. 23:33 Carlos Tevez takes a shot. Save made by Dorus De Vries. 20:44 David Edwards fouled by Joleon Lescott, the ref awards a free kick. Direct free kick taken by David Edwards. 19:52 Effort from the edge of the area by Sergio Aguero goes wide of the right-hand upright. 18:49 Effort from deep inside the area by Sergio Aguero misses to the left of the target. 17:13 Gareth Barry produces a left-footed shot from just outside the box that goes wide right of the goal. 17:05 Sergio Aguero takes a shot. Karl Henry gets a block in. 15:31 Shot from close range by Samir Nasri misses to the left of the goal. 12:19 Richard Stearman takes a shot from close in clearing the crossbar. 12:01 Michael Kightly takes a outswinging corner. 11:38 David Davis takes a shot. Joe Hart makes a save. 9:56 Michael Kightly takes a outswinging corner to the near post, Joleon Lescott makes a clearance. 6:14 Close range shot by Sergio Aguero goes wide of the right-hand upright. 4:42 Corner taken right-footed by Samir Nasri from the left by-line, save by Dorus De Vries. 3:39 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on David Edwards by David Silva. Dorus De Vries restarts play with the free kick. 1:42 Corner taken right-footed by Matthew Jarvis from the left by-line, clearance by Pablo Zabaleta. 1:25 Shot from just outside the area by Sebastien Bassong misses to the left of the target. 1:02 Corner taken right-footed by Michael Kightly from the right by-line to the near post, clearance made by Gael Clichy. 0:18 Effort from just outside the box by Carlos Tevez goes over the bar. 0:00 The match has kicked off.

1822: Wolves manager Terry Connor: "It's a very difficult day, a raw day for me the staff the players everyone connected with the club and it will be a tough few days to come.  Over 38 games we've proved not good enough to stay in the Premier League.  The last three games will be difficult but I've said to the lads that's what we'll need to do.  It's an honest league and we've signed up for 38 competitive games and the matches might have a bearing on other teams so we'll show honesty, integrity and try to win as many points as we can."
1828: Terry Connor looked close to tears in that interview and has never looked comfortable in the Wolves hot-seat since replacing Mick McCarthy. Steve Morgan will cop plenty of flak for getting rid of McCarthy, but his apparent failure to have a clear replacement lined up should attract more attention perhaps.

LIVE COMMENTARY

91MINS
Foul by Nigel De Jong on Sylvan Ebanks-Blake, free kick awarded. Kevin Foley takes the direct free kick.
91MINS
Shot from just outside the box by Gnegneri Toure Yaya misses to the right of the target.
86MINS
Free kick awarded for a foul by Michael Kightly on Gael Clichy. Joe Hart takes the free kick.
84MINS
Corner taken right-footed by Samir Nasri to the near post, Joleon Lescott produces a header from deep inside the six-yard box which goes wide of the right-hand upright. (Man City) makes a substitution, with Kolo Toure coming on for Samir Nasri.
83MINS
David Davis takes a shot. Save by Joe Hart.
81MINS
The referee gives a free kick against Nigel De Jong for handball. Dorus De Vries restarts play with the free kick.
78MINS
Corner taken right-footed by Matthew Jarvis to the near post, Gareth Barry makes a clearance.
77MINS
Handball decision goes against Pablo Zabaleta. Direct free kick taken by Stephen Ward.
76MINS
Sylvan Ebanks-Blake joins the action as a substitute, replacing Steven Fletcher.
75MINS
Inswinging corner taken right-footed by Samir Nasri, Kevin Foley manages to make a clearance.
75MINS
Adam Johnson takes a shot. Dorus De Vries makes a save.
74MINS
(Wolverhampton) makes a substitution, with Christophe Berra coming on for Sebastien Bassong. Adam Johnson joins the action as a substitute, replacing Carlos Tevez.
73MINS
Samir Nasri finds the net with a goal from inside the area to the bottom left corner of the goal. Wolverhampton 0-2 Man City.The assist for the goal came from Carlos Tevez.
73MINS
Free kick awarded for a foul by David Davis on Carlos Tevez. Carlos Tevez takes the direct free kick.
72MINS
Corner taken by Michael Kightly from the right by-line to the near post, clearance made by Gael Clichy.
71MINS
Michael Kightly fouled by Nigel De Jong, the ref awards a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Michael Kightly.
70MINS
Carlos Tevez takes a shot. Richard Stearman gets a block in.
69MINS
Foul by Kevin Doyle on Gareth Barry, free kick awarded. Direct free kick taken by Gareth Barry.
66MINS
Michael Kightly produces a left-footed shot from just outside the area that goes wide left of the goal.
65MINS
Foul by Gael Clichy on Michael Kightly, free kick awarded. Michael Kightly takes the direct free kick.
65MINS
The referee blows for offside. Indirect free kick taken by Kevin Foley.
61MINS
Corner taken by Samir Nasri from the left by-line, save by Dorus De Vries.
60MINS
David Edwards goes off and Kevin Doyle comes on.
59MINS
Carlos Tevez fouled by Sebastien Bassong, the ref awards a free kick. Free kick taken by Nigel De Jong.
58MINS
The referee blows for offside. Nigel De Jong on for David Silva. Free kick taken by Vincent Kompany.
57MINS
David Davis gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Gnegneri Toure Yaya. Direct free kick taken by Gareth Barry.
56MINS
Corner taken right-footed by Michael Kightly from the right by-line, clearance made by Pablo Zabaleta.
55MINS
Gnegneri Toure Yaya challenges Michael Kightly unfairly and gives away a free kick. Gnegneri Toure Yaya goes into the referee's book for unsporting behaviour. Free kick crossed by Karl Henry. Steven Fletcher takes a shot. Save made by Joe Hart.
53MINS
Matthew Jarvis has an effort at goal from outside the penalty box missing to the wide right of the goal.
53MINS
Carlos Tevez takes a shot. Blocked by Richard Stearman.
47MINS
Carlos Tevez gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on David Edwards. David Davis restarts play with the free kick.
45MINS
Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on David Davis by Gareth Barry. Stephen Ward takes the direct free kick.
43MINS
The referee blows for offside. Stephen Ward takes the free kick.
43MINS
Steven Fletcher is flagged offside by the assistant referee. Indirect free kick taken by Vincent Kompany.
38MINS
Carlos Tevez takes a shot. Sebastien Bassong gets a block in.
33MINS
Steven Fletcher fouled by Vincent Kompany, the ref awards a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Stephen Ward.
33MINS
Carlos Tevez takes a shot. Save by Dorus De Vries.
31MINS
Michael Kightly challenges Gael Clichy unfairly and gives away a free kick. The free kick is swung in right-footed by Samir Nasri, Richard Stearman makes a clearance.
30MINS
The offside flag is raised against Sergio Aguero. Dorus De Vries takes the free kick.
28MINS
Pablo Zabaleta challenges Matthew Jarvis unfairly and gives away a free kick. Matthew Jarvis delivers the ball from the free kick right-footed from left wing, save by Joe Hart.
28MINS
Samir Nasri is flagged offside by the assistant referee. Indirect free kick taken by Stephen Ward.
26MINS
Goal scored by Sergio Aguero from inside the box to the bottom right corner of the goal. Wolverhampton 0-1 Man City.Gael Clichy provided the assist for the goal.
23MINS
Carlos Tevez takes a shot. Save made by Dorus De Vries.
20MINS
Joleon Lescott challenges David Edwards unfairly and gives away a free kick. David Edwards restarts play with the free kick.
19MINS
Sergio Aguero has an effort at goal from just inside the box that misses to the right of the target.
18MINS
Shot by Sergio Aguero from deep inside the penalty area misses wide to the left of the target.
17MINS
Sergio Aguero takes a shot. Blocked by Karl Henry.
17MINS
Gareth Barry has an effort at goal from just outside the box which goes wide of the right-hand upright.
15MINS
Samir Nasri produces a right-footed shot from deep inside the six-yard box which goes wide of the left-hand post.
12MINS
Close range effort by Richard Stearman goes over the bar.
12MINS
Michael Kightly takes a outswinging corner.
11MINS
David Davis takes a shot. Joe Hart makes a save.
9MINS
Michael Kightly takes a outswinging corner to the near post, clearance made by Joleon Lescott.
6MINS
Close range shot by Sergio Aguero goes wide of the right-hand upright.
4MINS
Corner taken right-footed by Samir Nasri from the left by-line, save made by Dorus De Vries.
3MINS
David Edwards fouled by David Silva, the ref awards a free kick. Free kick taken by Dorus De Vries.
1MINS
Corner taken by Matthew Jarvis, clearance by Pablo Zabaleta.
1MINS
Sebastien Bassong produces a right-footed shot from just outside the penalty box that goes wide left of the target.
1MINS
Michael Kightly takes a outswinging corner from the right by-line to the near post, Gael Clichy manages to make a clearance.
Shot from just outside the box by Carlos Tevez goes over the target.
MATCH PREVIEW

Wolves drop will scar me - Connor Interim boss Terry Connor admits his reputation will be tarnished if Wolves are relegated from the Barclays Premier League. Connor had spent 13 years as a member of the coaching staff under four different managers before he was asked to replace the sacked Mick McCarthy for the final 13 games. Wolves' fate could be confirmed this weekend if other results go against them and they are beaten by visiting Manchester City, but Connor will take his fair share of responsibility should they go down. "I won't be slightly tarnished by it, I will be tarnished by it (if Wolves go down)," he said. "That's not a problem. I worked under Mick (McCarthy) for a number of years so I will be accepting whatever responsibility I have to take for the season. "The last 13 games have been my responsibility." Connor believes tragic events such as the death of Wales manager Gary Speed and Bolton midfielder Fabrice Muamba's cardiac arrest will put matters into perspective if Wolves return to the npower Championship. "It's not the end of the world. There would be a lot of hurt though," he said. "Things have happened this season in football, such as what happened to Bolton (Muamba) at Tottenham, and to Gary Speed, so football can sometimes be taken out of context. "But a lot of people will feel the hurt - supporters, staff and players, if that's the case (relegation). "The process will start for next season straight away and you hope to build again for the future." Connor has faith in goalkeeper Dorus de Vries who will make his first league start since last summer's move from Swansea against Roberto Mancini's side. Wayne Hennessey's knee ligament injury has handed De Vries his opportunity for the final four games of the season. Connor said: "I'm sure come Sunday and 4pm, he'll want to keep goal and keep as many clean sheets as he possibly can. "Dorus wanted a new challenge. I think he felt he'd gone as far as he could do at Swansea. "He wanted to come here and prove his worth this season. "Wayne has performed particularly well this season, even in a difficult season, and so his chances have been limited. "Dorus will want to go out there on Sunday and give a good account of himself because he is a first-choice keeper. He knew what he was doing when he came here, and he was up for the challenge. "All that will be in his mind is helping us beat Manchester City." City boss Mancini is not dwelling on what might have been with Carlos Tevez after admitting his return has rejuvenated the team's attack. Tevez has struck four goals in his first two starts since rejoining the squad following his well-documented dispute with the club, including a hat-trick in last week's 6-1 hammering of Norwich. For much of his absence from the side, which stretched to almost six months, the Argentinian was not missed as Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko and Mario Balotelli regularly found the net. But a collective loss of form and crucial injuries in March saw City concede the initiative in the title race to Manchester United. At that time Tevez was still lacking match-fitness but Mancini only wants to focus on the extra dimension the now on-form forward offers for the rest of the season. Mancini said: "Carlos can find his best form like this, playing. I think his last two games that he played, he improved a lot. "Also without Carlos we scored a lot of goals, but it is normal if you have players like Carlos you can score more goals. "Maybe there are some moments you have two strikers that maybe are not in form, but you have another two. "This is the difference, it is clear - but we did everything in November and December to try to take Carlo here again." Tevez has linked superbly with his countryman and top scorer Aguero since his return to the starting line-up. Aguero, City's #38million record signing, also struck four times in the convincing wins over West Brom and Norwich to take his tally for the campaign to 28. With Balotelli suspended and Dzeko without a goal since February, the pair could again be in tandem for the trip to Molineux. Mancini said: "They are Argentina players, they know how to play with each other. "I think Carlos can play with Mario, Sergio or Dzeko. "The only players that probably can't play together are Mario and Dzeko, because maybe they are the same player. "They have some problem to play together but the other players can play together, no problem."
Formation:4411




MATCH PREVIEW

By Steve Wilson, BBC Match of the Day commentator, BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Molineux Date: Sunday, 22 April


TEAM NEWS

Wolves goalkeeper Dorus de Vries is poised to make his first Premier League start for the club in place of the injured Wayne Hennessey.
On-loan defender Sebastien Bassong is available after serving a one-game ban, while winger Matt Jarvis could be restored to the side.
Manchester City are still without forward Mario Balotelli, who completes a three-match ban.
Manager Roberto Mancini has reported no other injury concerns.
MATCH PREVIEW

On paper this must go down as one of the mismatches of the season.

Manchester City are close to their best again, whacking 10 goals past West Brom and Norwich in the space of a few days, whilst Wolves are in a horrible spiral which is only taking them one way.
Relegation could be confirmed this weekend, but there will be no lasting stay of execution. So much has been written about the wisdom or otherwise of sacking Mick McCarthy, and particularly the messy process of finding a replacement, so I won't add to it other than to point out that Wolves had hardly spent a day in the bottom three this season prior to McCarthy's dismissal.
It may surprise some younger readers, but Wolves' record against Manchester City is actually rather good. They have won six of their last nine home league games against City stretching over the course of 30 years. The most recent was last season and nine of the 11 City players who started the 2 -1 defeat at Molineux then could very well be on show again; only Adebayor and Boateng are not around this time.
By the time City kick off, they will know how Manchester United have done against Everton. No matter what Roberto Mancini says in public, he will be hoping that Everton can take something from Old Trafford. If Everton do avoid defeat, then a City win over Wolves would put then in a position to go top if they win their next game - the Manchester derby.
For City there are twists and turns ahead - not so for Wolves.
MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head
Wolves won their last home meeting against Manchester City, with David Edwards scoring the decisive goal in a 2-1 victory 18 months ago.
They lead the overall head-to-head by 46 wins to 44, with 24 draws.

Wolves
Wolves ended a run of seven consecutive league defeats by earning a point at Sunderland last weekend.
That goalless draw was their first clean sheet in 31 games since 27 August.
The Black Country side have the worst home record in the top flight, with three wins and 11 points from 17 matches.
They have lost a club record eight successive matches at Molineux and are winless in 10 since beating Sunderland on 4 December.
Terry Connor has taken two points from his first nine Premier League games in charge - the only manager ever to fare worse in the Premier League is his mentor Mick McCarthy (no points with Sunderland in 2003).
Steven Fletcher has failed to score in his last eight Premier League matches, equalling his longest spell without a goal.
Manchester City
Manager Roberto Mancini's first ever Premier League away match in charge of Manchester City was a 3-0 win at Molineux in December 2009.
They have only earned 12 points from their last 11 away matches (W3, D3, L5).
Roberto Mancini's side have the best goal difference after 34 games in Premier League history (+58). They have the best goalscoring and defensive records in the division this season.
Sergio Aguero has scored 21 league goals in 30 appearances this season. His goals at Norwich last weekend were his first outside of London or Manchester in the Premier League.

Saturday 14th April Sunderland 0 Wolves 0 ko 3pm

 Wolves say
Battling Wolves kept a clean sheet for the first time in eight months as they took a deserved point from their game at Sunderland to keep alive their slim hopes of Premier League survival.  Terry Connor made five changes to the team that had lost to Arsenal in midweek. With Sebastien Bassong suspended, the boss also left out Dave Edwards, Kevin Doyle, Matt Jarvis and Ronald Zubar all of whom were named as substitutes. (TC explained that some of them had put som much in on Wednesday they needed rest)
Into the team came Anthony Forde, Kevin Foley, Sylvan Ebanks-Blake, Christophe Berra and Steven Fletcher. Wolves defended the end of the ground that housed around 500 hardy travelling supporters and in the opening minute they looked down as Stephen Ward cleared from Stephane Sessegnon from near the right-hand corner flag. Sebastian Larsson's cross was deflected over the bar by Forde and, from James McClean's corner, Berra had to head behind to relieve the pressure. Larsson took the second flag-kick from the opposite side and the ball curled across the goalmouth and out beyond the far post. In the seventh minute Fletcher cut into the box from the right and skipped past one challenge when he looked to be body checked by Craig Gardner. The incident happened right in front of the referee but the official kept his arms by his side. Fletcher had to receive treatment before continuing. Nicklas Bendtner set up Larsson but he fired wildly wide of the near post, From Wayne Hennessey's clearance, the ball was worked upfield into the path of Forde who tried a low, curling shot that home keeper Simon Mignolet only claimed at the second attempt. In the 14th minute Bendtner headed behind a Michael Kightly cross and from Forde's corner the ball was headed out to Kightly. He lifted the ball back into the box and it was nodded back by Ward for Berra to try a header. His effort was blocked and there was a terrific scramble before the home defence finally cleared their lines. Sunderland threatened again with a break down the right flank. Bendtner squared a pass for Sessegnon to help the ball on to James McClean who drove into the side netting. Richard Stearman's challenge on Sessegnon to the left of the Wolves box led to a Larsson free-kick that curled over the wall and into the arms of Hennessey. An angled shot from McClean took a hefty deflection off Richard Stearman. The ball could have gone anywhere but fortunately it went straight to Hennessey. The keeper was called into action again in the 31st minute as he touched a 25-yard daisy cutter from Sessegnon around the post. The corner was taken by Larsson and the ball went through to Sessegnon at the far post where he stuck out a foot but he could only divert the ball wide. There was a half chance for Kightly as he won the ball on the edge of the Sunderland box. He jinked into the area but was crowded out by four defenders as he tried to line up a shot.  Just before the break, Phil Bardsley was just wide with a low, long range effort.

Half-Time: Sunderland 0 Wolves 0

Hennessey was the busier of the two keepers in the opening minutes of the new half although it was mainly to deal with crosses and a handful of corners from Larsson. After 58 minutes, Forde cut inside from the left and unleashed a shot that Mignolet dived to save at his near post. Fletcher cleverly backheeled a return pass to Ebanks-Blake but the striker blasted a rising drive wide of the target. Before play restarted the impressive Forde was replaced by Jarvis. Larsson headed wide from a McClean centre and when Foley lifted a high forward pass into the Sunderland box, Ebanks- Blake was converged upon by two defenders who, between them, cleared the danger. With 73 minutes gone, Hennessey had to be at his best to thwart McClean who met Craig Gardner's cross at the far post and hit a shot that the keeper diverted away with his legs. The ball was cleared to Jarvis who ran into the box and hit a shot that was blocked by Phil Bardsley at close quarters. Edwards was then sent on for Kightly for the remaining 15 minutes.  After 81 minutes Jarvis's pinpoint centre was met by the head of Fletcher and his header drew a fine save from Mignolet. The keeper was beaten by Fletcher moments later but the referee disallowed the 'goal' for a Foley push on the Belgian.  There was a scramble in the Wolves box following a cross from home substitute Frazier Campbell and Hennessey took a knock in the melee before Ward booted the ball away. Stearman became the game's only booking for pulling back Sessegnon before both sides went close to winning it in the 88th minute.  Sessegnon tried a cross-shot and Larsson ran in to blaze over the bar from just eight yards out. Seconds later, at the other end, Edwards hit a first time shot narrowly wide of the far post.

Wolves: Hennessey, Foley (Zubar 82), Ward, Davis, Berra, Stearman, Kightly (Edwards 76), Henry (capt), Fletcher, Ebanks-Blake, Forde (Jarvis 61) Unused subs: De Vries, Johnson, Jonsson, Doyle. Booking: Stearman (86 - foul).

Sunderland: Mignolet, Bardsley (capt), Turner, Larsson, Gardner (Campbell 78), Richardson, Kilgallon, Colback, McClean, Sessegnon, Bendtner.   Unused subs: Westwood, Bridge, Vaughan, Ji, Meyler, Kyrgiakos.

Referee: M. Jones.

Attendance: 37,476.


Jamie Lillywhite of BBC Sport said
Wolves halted a run of seven defeats with a well-earned draw at the Stadium of Light, but are five points adrift at the foot of the Premier League table.  Sunderland had the better of a tame first half, James McClean firing into the side netting after a neat move.  But the Black Cats created little after the break and Wolves looked likelier winners, Steven Fletcher's header smartly kept out by Simon Mignolet.  The stalemate meant a first clean sheet for Wolves in 31 matches.  How Terry Connor would have wished for this kind of endeavour, and the odd moment of fortune, throughout his brief tenure.   When he was appointed manager until the end of season in late February with 13 matches to play, Wolves were one of three clubs on 21 points and had Bolton and Wigan below them.  The team fought back valiantly from two goals down to claim a creditable draw at Newcastle in Connor's opening match but they have been bottom of the table since 10 March, when they suffered a second 5-0 reverse within a fortnight.  They might not have looked to this fixture with any relish, but history was on their side, with six wins in nine matches at Sunderland.  In addition Martin O'Neill's side, who amassed 23 points from the first 30 available in his reign, had claimed only nine from their last nine matches.  Wolves certainly acquitted themselves admirably, without looking much like converting their possession into goals, in a first half devoid of incisiveness from either side in key areas.  McClean shot the wrong side of the left-hand upright after the best move of the opening period, when Stephane Sessegnon found him in space on the left edge of the area.  Sunderland were more assured going forward but were largely restricted to long-range efforts, Sessegnon forcing a save from Wayne Hennessey and Phil Bardsley firing wide from 30 yards.  Sessegnon began the second half in lively fashion and looked likely to inspire his side to victory, but he could not sustain his influence.  Instead a rare Wolves threat on goal saw 18-year-old Anthony Forde test Mignolet low at his near post with a 20-yard drive.  Wolves then fashioned an even better opportunity when Sylvan Ebanks-Blake played a neat one-two with Fletcher but lashed wide from 15 yards.  With the home supporters increasingly exasperated by their side's inability to break down Wolves, it was the visitors who went close again as Fletcher's header from six yards, from a cross by substitute Matt Jarvis, was pushed out by Mignolet. Given the 73 goals already conceded by Wolves this term there was always the possibility of a late blow and McClean almost provided it when he ghosted in with a close-range diving header from Craig Gardner's cross.  But Hennessey kept the ball out with his legs and his team have a mathematical chance of safety to take into their next match at home to Manchester City next weekend.

Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill:
"We didn't play well enough for prolonged periods, now and again we threatened but not enough for the victory and to please everyone. We knew it would be a difficult game, there is a still a good spirit about Wolves.  It's been a heroic effort by the players but we looked tired today, and didn't keep possession for long enough."
Wolves boss Terry Connor:
"We thoroughly deserved the point and possibly should have nicked it.   We defended really well, attacked with purpose and should have scored.   It's what we've been working towards, it was nice we got some reward for a good defensive display.   Things seem to go against you when you're down at the bottom but the lads have kept going and we'll keep going until the end."
DID YOU KNOW?
This was only the second time in 75 Premier League matches that Wolves have been involved in a goalless draw.

LINEUP, BOOKINGS (1) & SUBSTITUTIONS (4)
Sunderland
22 Mignolet
02 Bardsley
04 Turner
11 Richardson
12 Kilgallon
07 Larsson
08 Gardner (Campbell - 78' )
14 Colback
23 McClean
28 Sessegnon
52 Bendtner
Substitutes
20 Westwood
03 Bridge
25 Kyrgiakos
15 Vaughan
18 Meyler
09 Campbell
17 Ji Dong-Won
Wolverhampton Wanderers
01 Hennessey
05 Stearman Booked
11 Ward
16 Berra
32 Foley (Zubar - 82' )
07 Kightly (Edwards - 76' )
08 Henry
26 Davis
37 Forde (Jarvis - 61' )
09 Ebanks-Blake
10 Fletcher
Substitutes
31 De Vries
14 Johnson
23 Zubar
04 Edwards
17 Jarvis
22 Jonsson
29 Doyle
Ref: Jones
Att: 37,476
MATCH STATS
Possession
51%  49%
94mins  Sunderland  Wolverhampton Wanderers
Shots     15 12
On target 6 8
Corners    8 4
Fouls       4 11
Live Text Commentary

90:00 +3:04 The referee brings the game to a close. 90:00 +0:28 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Fraizer Campbell by Karl Henry. Sebastian Larsson crosses the ball from the free kick right-footed from right channel, Stephen Ward makes a clearance. 89:53 Michael Turner sends in a cross, James McClean takes a shot. Save made by Wayne Hennessey. 88:09 Effort on goal by Stephane Sessegnon from 12 yards. Shot from inside the area by Sebastian Larsson clears the bar. David Edwards produces a left-footed shot from just outside the area that goes wide left of the goal. 85:59 Kieran Richardson takes the free kick. 85:59 Booking Richard Stearman goes into the book for unsporting behaviour. 85:53 Foul by Richard Stearman on Stephane Sessegnon, free kick awarded. 85:18 The ball is delivered by Fraizer Campbell, save made by Wayne Hennessey. 82:58 Kieran Richardson crosses the ball, Christophe Berra makes a clearance. 81:39 Substitution Ronald Zubar on for Kevin Foley. 80:37 The ball is sent over by Matthew Jarvis, Steven Fletcher takes a shot. Fantastic save by Simon Mignolet. 80:13 The ball is swung over by David Edwards, Michael Turner manages to make a clearance. 79:08 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Kieran Richardson by Sylvan Ebanks-Blake. Free kick taken by Simon Mignolet. 78:29 James McClean concedes a free kick for a foul on David Edwards. Free kick taken by Wayne Hennessey. 77:13 Craig Gardner leaves the field to be replaced by Fraizer Campbell. 75:38 Corner taken right-footed by Matthew Jarvis, Phillip Bardsley makes a clearance. Inswinging corner taken by Matthew Jarvis. A cross is delivered by David Edwards, save by Simon Mignolet. 75:38 Substitution Michael Kightly goes off and David Edwards comes on. 75:38 The ball is swung over by Matthew Jarvis, blocked by Phillip Bardsley. 74:12 Karl Henry produces a cross. 73:30 Sylvan Ebanks-Blake produces a cross, clearance made by Matthew Kilgallon.  72:46 Centre by Craig Gardner, James McClean takes a shot. Wayne Hennessey makes a save. Matthew Jarvis takes a shot. Phillip Bardsley gets a block in. 71:23 Michael Kightly produces a cross, Michael Turner manages to make a clearance. 70:57 Kevin Foley produces a cross. 69:40 Steven Fletcher is caught offside. Indirect free kick taken by Phillip Bardsley. 68:23 The ball is swung over by James McClean, Headed effort on goal by Nicklas Bendtner from inside the penalty box misses to the right of the goal. 67:15 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Nicklas Bendtner by Richard Stearman. Sebastian Larsson crosses the ball from the free kick right-footed from left channel, clearance by Kevin Foley. 64:53 Jack Colback concedes a free kick for a foul on Karl Henry. Karl Henry takes the free kick. Steven Fletcher takes a shot. Save by Simon Mignolet. 62:48 The ball is crossed by Michael Kightly, save made by Simon Mignolet. 62:10 A cross is delivered by Stephen Ward, Header by Sylvan Ebanks-Blake from deep inside the penalty area misses to the left of the goal. 60:14 Anthony Forde leaves the field to be replaced by Matthew Jarvis. 60:14 Effort on goal by Sylvan Ebanks-Blake from inside the penalty box misses to the right of the target. 59:33 Karl Henry takes a shot. Blocked by Craig Gardner. 58:48 The referee blows for offside. Wayne Hennessey takes the free kick. 58:18 Drilled right-footed shot by Anthony Forde. Save made by Simon Mignolet. 58:00 The ball is sent over by James McClean, clearance by Wayne Hennessey. 57:48 The ball is crossed by Stephane Sessegnon, Kevin Foley manages to make a clearance. 56:00 Free kick awarded for a foul by Matthew Kilgallon on Richard Stearman. Wayne Hennessey takes the free kick. 55:14 Michael Kightly concedes a free kick for a foul on Jack Colback. Indirect free kick taken by Jack Colback. The ball is delivered by James McClean, blocked by Richard Stearman. Inswinging corner taken by Sebastian Larsson, Wayne Hennessey makes a save. 54:20 Corner taken right-footed by Sebastian Larsson to the near post, Christophe Berra makes a clearance. A cross is delivered by Phillip Bardsley, Karl Henry makes a clearance. 52:27 Stephen Ward delivers the ball, Steven Fletcher takes a shot. Save by Simon Mignolet. 50:52 David Davis challenges Craig Gardner unfairly and gives away a free kick. Indirect free kick taken by Michael Turner. 49:22 Phillip Bardsley delivers the ball, clearance by Kevin Foley. Corner taken by Sebastian Larsson from the left by-line, clearance made by Steven Fletcher. 49:05 Stephane Sessegnon takes a shot. Christophe Berra gets a block in. 48:51 The ball is delivered by David Davis, save by Simon Mignolet. 47:43 Inswinging corner taken from the right by-line by James McClean. 47:35 The ball is crossed by Stephane Sessegnon, clearance made by Christophe Berra. 45:25 The ball is sent over by James McClean, clearance made by Stephen Ward. 45:01 The second half has started. 45:00 +1:20 The ref blows to signal half-time. 43:38 Phillip Bardsley has an effort at goal from a long way out that goes wide left. 42:27 Kieran Richardson delivers the ball, save made by Wayne Hennessey. 41:56 The ball is delivered by Phillip Bardsley, Richard Stearman makes a clearance. 39:39 Michael Kightly fouled by Sebastian Larsson, the ref awards a free kick. Wayne Hennessey takes the free kick. 39:12 The ball is swung over by Phillip Bardsley, clearance by Kevin Foley. 37:02 Shot by Phillip Bardsley from outside the box goes over the target. 35:30 Christophe Berra concedes a free kick for a foul on Nicklas Bendtner. Free kick crossed right-footed by Sebastian Larsson from right wing, Steven Fletcher manages to make a clearance. 34:35 Effort on goal by James McClean from just inside the penalty box goes harmlessly over the target. 34:07 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Michael Turner by Sylvan Ebanks-Blake. Simon Mignolet restarts play with the free kick. 33:30 Michael Kightly takes a shot. Blocked by Michael Turner. 30:49 Stephane Sessegnon takes a shot. Save by Wayne Hennessey. Corner taken by Sebastian Larsson. 26:41 James McClean takes a shot. Save by Wayne Hennessey. 23:56 Anthony Forde sends in a cross. 23:42 The ball is swung over by David Davis. 20:55 Unfair challenge on Stephane Sessegnon by Richard Stearman results in a free kick. Shot on goal comes in from Sebastian Larsson from the free kick, Wayne Hennessey makes a save. 19:57 The ball is swung over by Phillip Bardsley, Header by Craig Gardner from deep inside the penalty area misses to the left of the target. 19:45 The ball is swung over by Sebastian Larsson. The ball is swung over by Kieran Richardson, clearance made by Richard Stearman. 19:18 Karl Henry challenges Craig Gardner unfairly and gives away a free kick. Phillip Bardsley takes the direct free kick. 18:49 The ball is swung over by Anthony Forde, Michael Turner makes a clearance. 17:55 Inswinging corner taken right-footed by Sebastian Larsson from the left by-line, save by Wayne Hennessey. 15:53 James McClean produces a left-footed shot from deep inside the penalty box which goes wide of the left-hand upright. 14:27 Michael Kightly produces a cross. The ball is delivered by Christophe Berra. 13:15 Outswinging corner taken right-footed by Michael Kightly from the right by-line, Nicklas Bendtner manages to make a clearance. Inswinging corner taken right-footed by Anthony Forde, Simon Mignolet makes a save. 11:17 Long distance shot from Michael Kightly misses to the left of the target. 9:40 Anthony Forde takes a shot. Save by Simon Mignolet. 8:19 Sebastian Larsson produces a drilled right-footed shot from deep inside the penalty area which goes wide of the right-hand post. 5:07 The ball is sent over by Sylvan Ebanks-Blake. 2:43 Sebastian Larsson delivers the ball, Kevin Foley manages to make a clearance. Corner taken by James McClean, clearance made by Christophe Berra. Inswinging corner taken from the left by-line by Sebastian Larsson. 1:16 David Davis challenges Stephane Sessegnon unfairly and gives away a free kick. Sebastian Larsson delivers the ball from the free kick right-footed from right channel, Christophe Berra manages to make a clearance. 0:00 The game gets underway.



TEAM NEWS

Sunderland's Nicklas Bendtner hopes to return after missing last week's defeat by Everton with back and hamstring problems.
John O'Shea and Fraizer Campbell also missed that match, but have returned to training and could also feature.
Wolves defender Sebastien Bassong is missing through suspension after his red card against Arsenal and will be replaced by Christophe Berra.
Dave Edwards faces a late fitness test on his hamstring injury.
MATCH PREVIEW

Personal pride is top of the agenda for both sets of players for this match. Manager Terry Connor has urged his players to fight to the finish as Wolves look to avoid going down with a whimper, while after a fairytale start at Sunderland Martin O'Neill has seen his team pick up just nine points from the last nine games.
I watched them cave in and suffer a 4-0 defeat at Everton on Monday when they looked a shadow of O'Neill's spirited side that recorded 23 points from the first 30 when he took over.
He admitted afterwards they were well beaten and assured the Sunderland supporters he would not allow his players to take their foot off the pedal between now and the end of the season. Whatever happens, when O'Neill watched from the stands as Wolves beat Sunderland at Molineux in December - a result that left them just one point above the relegation zone and three behind Wolves - few would have predicted their scenario now.
“
Defensively Wolves have too often given themselves a mountain to climb
”
It has been a contrasting tale since that night for Wolves though. They have won only one match since and there have not been enough signs of the dogged determination they showed 12 months ago to survive.
After witnessing the Black Country derby defeat to West Brom I remember thinking it would be a strange time to make a managerial change and that Mick McCarthy was still the best man available to try and keep them up. One point from the last 24 since hasn't changed my opinion.
Defensively they have too often given themselves a mountain to climb. Thirty matches without a clean sheet and 73 goals conceded, which is seven more already than the entire campaign last season, are statistics that will see them head in only one direction.
Wolves fans don't need reminding how difficult it was to get back into the top flight; if these are to be their last five Premier League matches they will want to do themselves justice in them.
MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head
Wolves beat Sunderland 2-1 at Molineux in December. Martin O'Neill was in the directors' box before taking charge of his first match as Sunderland boss a week later.
Wolves have won their last four meetings with Sunderland.
Their 3-1 victory at the Stadium of Light in May last season, though, was their first victory at Sunderland since 1993.
The last time either side kept a clean sheet in this fixture was 11 games ago, in February 1998, when Sunderland won 1-0.
Sunderland
Sunderland have only won two of their last nine league matches.
Sunderland won 23 points in their first 10 matches under Martin O'Neill (W7, D1, L2), but in the following nine games they have picked up just nine points (W2, D3, L4).
Sunderland have won six of their nine league games at home under O'Neill, losing just once (1-2 v Arsenal).
Wolves
Wolves have lost their last seven matches, and eight out of their last nine.
Terry Connor has taken one point from his first eight games in charge; the only manager to make a worse start at a Premier League club was Connor's mentor Mick McCarthy, who didn't earn a single point in his first eight games at Sunderland in 2003.
Wolves have conceded at least twice in each of their last nine league matches (a total of 29 goals). Only two clubs in Premier League history have had a longer streak of conceding twice in matches - Wimbledon (10 matches) in 2000 and West Brom (10 matches) from 2010-11.

Wednesday 11th April (moved from Easter Monday) WW 0 Arsenal 3 (Van Persie-pen 9, Walcott 11, Benayoun 69) ko 7:45

 Luckless Wolves showed tremendous spirit against Arsenal as they battled against the odds after finding themselves reduced to ten men and two goals down after just 11 minutes. Shortly after Gunners keeper Wojciech Szczesny had made a magnificent save from Kevin Doyle, Yossi Benayoun added a third for the visitors.  Doyle came in as a lone front runner and there was also a return for David Davis. Sylvan Ebanks-Blake and Steven Fletcher were both named as substitutes.  Early goals from Robin van Persie and Theo Walcott earned Arsenal victory over 10-man Wolves in a game which was largely decided within 11 minutes.  Sebastien Bassong saw red for bringing down Walcott, with Van Persie dinking the penalty over Wayne Hennessey.  Walcott then played a neat one-two before shooting low into the net.  Wolves went closest when Wojciech Szczesny saved Kevin Doyle's header after the break, but Yossi Benayoun converted to seal the win.
Centre-back Christophe Berra was brought on between the two goals to replace midfielder David Davis after Bassong's dismissal.  But such is the feeling of unease at bottom-of-the-table Wolves that the substitution was greeted with choruses of "you don't know what you're doing" directed at boss Terry Connor, never mind that Berra's header deflected just wide from a corner soon after.  The defeat was the seventh on the trot for the hosts, with Wolves remaining six points behind Blackburn, who are one place above them, and nine points from safety.  For Arsenal, the result continued their fine end-of-season form which keeps them third in the Premier League but moves them five points ahead of fourth-placed Tottenham. That could improve to eight points before Spurs play again, should the Gunners beat Wigan next Monday, and with Van Persie returning to goalscoring form after a four-game drought, they will be favourites to stay ahead of their north London rivals.  Robin Van Persie won the toss and he decided to defend the North Bank end and in the opening minutes Sebastien Bassong nodded out an Alex Song centre and then he had to head behind Bacary Sagna's cross. Van Persie's corner was half cleared back to the striker and his driven cross back into the middle was smothered by Wayne Hennessey.  With 11 men, to get anything from the game was always going to be a big ask for Wolves but yet another questionable refereeing decision made the task a virtually impossible one. Theo Walcott went down as he ran into the box in a tangle of legs with Bassong. Initial contact looked to be outside the box and there certainly seemed to be no intent. But the referee pointed to the spot, out came the red card and Wolves were down to ten men after just eight minutes. Van Persie made no mistake from the spot.  Terry Connor then replaced Davis with Christophe Berra - a decision that angered the crowd although the manager had few options available.  In the 11th minute Walcott took a return pass from Van Persie and drove the ball past Hennessey for Arsenal's second.  Walcott was roundly booed by the crowd every time he went near the ball and there was a determination from the home players who ran, chased and tackled for all their worth.  Wolves almost pulled one back in the 23rd minute when Berra's far post header from Kightly's corner struck Johan Djourou and was deflected inches wide. Matt Jarvis took the second corner but Szczesny had little difficulty in collecting the ball.  Richard Stearman, Van Persie and Song were all spoken to by the referee after a minor spat which followed Stearman's check on Arsenal' leading scorer.  Doyle found himself in the book after he had clearly won the ball from Mikel Arteta to further anger the crowd.  Right on half-time, Kightly released Ronald Zubar on the overlap but the defender's low cross went straight through the area with no-one able to get a touch.  

Half-Time: Wolves 0 Arsenal 2

There was an almost identical situation three minutes after the restart. This time it was Doyle that passed wide for Zubar but again his cross went through to the far side. Dave Edwards was replaced by Nenad Milijaš on 53 minutes shortly before an uncharacteristic miss by Van Persie who shot wide of the near post after running in on Arteta's cross. Two Wolves bookings followed in as many minutes - Zubar justifiably for a late challenge on Benayoun and Kightly for a nothing challenge on Andre Santos.  Wolves deserved something for their efforts and but for a brilliant save by Szczesny, they would have done. Doyle met Jarvis's centre with a superb header that looked sure to find the net until the Polish keeper dived full length to fingertip the ball away.  A minute later Doyle supplied a cross just eluded the head of Jarvis as he dived forward.  After going so close, Wolves suddenly found themselves three down. Song pulled the ball back to Benayoun on the edge of the box and he took a couple of steps before drilling a low shot into the corner of the net. Still Wolves refused to throw in the towel and Zubar took the ball to the bye-line before pulling it back into the heart of the box where Song was in position to boot clear.Fletcher replaced the tireless Doyle for the remaining quarter of an hour and for Arsenal, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain went on for Walcott. Hennessey made a point blank save from Aaron Ramsey and, in the dying minutes, there was two chances for Wolves at the other end.  From the first, Fletcher was wide of the far post with an angled effort and then he pulled the ball back for Milijaš who forced another first class save from Szczesny.

Wolves: Hennessey, Zubar, Ward, Edwards (Milijaš 53), Bassong, Stearman, Kightly, Henry (capt), Doyle (Fletcher 77), Davis (Berra 10), Jarvis. Unused subs: De Vries, Ebanks-Blake, Johnson, Forde. Bookings: Doyle (40 - foul), Zubar (56 - foul), Kightly (58 - foul). Sending Off: Bassong (8 - professional foul).
Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna (Jenkinson 84), Vermaelen, Arteta, Van Persie (capt), Santos, Walcott (Oxlade-Chamberlain 76), Ramsey, Song, Djourou, Benayoun
Unused subs: Rosicky, Park, Squillaci, Fabianski, Chamakh.
Referee: N. Swarbrick.  Attendance: 25,815.Early goals from Robin van Persie and Theo Walcott earned Arsenal victory over 10-man Wolves in a game which was largely decided within 11 minutes.
Sebastien Bassong saw red for bringing down Walcott, with Van Persie dinking the penalty over Wayne Hennessey.
Walcott then played a neat one-two before shooting low into the net.
Wolves went closest when Wojciech Szczesny saved Kevin Doyle's header after the break, but Yossi Benayoun converted to seal the win.
Centre-back Christophe Berra was brought on between the two goals to replace midfielder David Davis after Bassong's dismissal.
But such is the feeling of unease at bottom-of-the-table Wolves that the substitution was greeted with choruses of "you don't know what you're doing" directed at boss Terry Connor, never mind that Berra's header deflected just wide from a corner soon after.
The defeat was the seventh on the trot for the hosts, with Wolves remaining six points behind Blackburn, who are one place above them, and nine points from safety.
For Arsenal, the result continued their fine end-of-season form which keeps them third in the Premier League but moves them five points ahead of fourth-placed Tottenham.
That could improve to eight points before Spurs play again, should the Gunners beat Wigan next Monday, and with Van Persie returning to goalscoring form after a four-game drought, they will be favourites to stay ahead of their north London rivals.


By Jonathan Pearce
BBC Match of the Day commentator
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Molineux Date: Wednesday, 11 April
Wolverhampton Wanderers
01 Hennessey
05 Stearman
11 Ward
21 Bassong Dismissed
23 Zubar Booked
04 Edwards (Milijas - 53' )
07 Kightly Booked
08 Henry
17 Jarvis
26 Davis (Berra - 10' )
29 Doyle Booked (Fletcher - 78' )
Substitutes
31 De Vries
14 Johnson
16 Berra
20 Milijas
37 Forde
09 Ebanks-Blake
10 Fletcher
Arsenal
13 Szczesny
03 Sagna (Jenkinson - 84' )
05 Vermaelen
11 Santos
20 Djourou
08 Arteta
14 Walcott (Oxlade-Chamberlain - 76' )
16 Ramsey
17 Song
30 Benayoun
10 Van Persie
Substitutes
21 Fabianski
18 Squillaci
25 Jenkinson
07 Rosicky
15 Oxlade-Chamberlain
09 Park Chu-Young
29 Chamakh
Ref: Swarbrick

Possession
WW 50% Arsnl 50%

Shots 9  10
On target 6 7
Corners 6 4
Fouls 9 4
Live Text Commentary
90:00 +4:36 The referee signals the end of the game. 90:00 +0:46 Michael Kightly takes a shot. Blocked by Thomas Vermaelen. 90:00 +3:42 Inswinging corner taken from the left by-line by Matthew Jarvis. 90:00 +3:23 Nenad Milijas takes a shot. Blocked by Wojciech Szczesny. 90:00 +3:14 Matthew Jarvis takes a shot. Johan Djourou gets a block in. 90:00 +1:11 Corner taken by Michael Kightly, Alex Song makes a clearance. 89:04 +2:52 Free kick awarded for a foul by Karl Henry on Mikel Arteta. Direct free kick taken by Mikel Arteta. 88:01 +1:55 Steven Fletcher produces a left-footed shot from just outside the box that misses to the right of the goal. 84:16 Inswinging corner taken by Mikel Arteta, save by Wayne Hennessey. 83:49 Substitution Bacary Sagna goes off and Carl Jenkinson comes on. 82:09 Aaron Ramsey takes a shot. Blocked by Christophe Berra. 78:59 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Michael Kightly by Aaron Ramsey. Karl Henry takes the direct free kick. 77:11 Substitution Steven Fletcher joins the action as a substitute, replacing Kevin Doyle. 76:37 Mikel Arteta delivers the ball, Robin van Persie takes a shot. Save by Wayne Hennessey. 75:08 Substitution Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain replaces Theo Walcott. 74:24 Aaron Ramsey decides to take a short corner. 71:09 Kevin Doyle takes a shot. Johan Djourou gets a block in. 69:37 Kevin Doyle is caught offside. Johan Djourou takes the free kick. 68:27 Assist by Alex Song. 68:27 Goal scored - Yossi Benayoun - Wolves 0 - 3 Arsenal Yossi Benayoun fires in a goal from just outside the penalty box to the bottom left corner of the goal. Wolverhampton 0-3 Arsenal.
64:41 The official flags Matthew Jarvis offside. Wojciech Szczesny takes the indirect free kick. 63:37 Michael Kightly has an effort at goal from just outside the box which goes wide of the left-hand upright. 61:43 Richard Stearman fouled by Yossi Benayoun, the ref awards a free kick. Wayne Hennessey takes the free kick. 60:38 A cross is delivered by Kevin Doyle. 59:46 Inswinging corner taken right-footed by Matthew Jarvis from the left by-line, save by Wojciech Szczesny. 59:34 Matthew Jarvis crosses the ball, Kevin Doyle takes a shot. Save by Wojciech Szczesny. 58:25 Mikel Arteta challenges Kevin Doyle unfairly and gives away a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Kevin Doyle. 57:38 Clarindo Andre Santos restarts play with the free kick. 57:38  Booking Michael Kightly is given a yellow card. 57:30 Unfair challenge on Clarindo Andre Santos by Michael Kightly results in a free kick. 56:52 Robin van Persie takes a shot. Wayne Hennessey makes a save. 55:58 Clarindo Andre Santos takes the direct free kick. 55:58 Booking Ronald Zubar goes into the referee's book for unsporting behaviour. 55:51 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Yossi Benayoun by Ronald Zubar. 55:20 Effort from the edge of the box by Matthew Jarvis goes wide of the left-hand upright. 54:36 Effort on goal by Robin van Persie from deep inside the area goes harmlessly over the bar. 54:08 Corner taken by Robin van Persie from the right by-line. 53:50 Aaron Ramsey produces a cross, clearance by Richard Stearman. 52:09 Substitution Nenad Milijas joins the action as a substitute, replacing David Edwards. 51:38 Bacary Sagna concedes a free kick for a foul on Karl Henry. Free kick taken by Karl Henry. 50:23 Aaron Ramsey takes a shot. Stephen Ward gets a block in. 46:57 Inswinging corner taken from the left by-line by Matthew Jarvis, clearance by Alex Song. 45:01 The referee gets the second half started. 45:00 +1:51 The ref blows to signal half-time. 44:42 Ronald Zubar produces a cross. 42:46 Free kick awarded for a foul by Kevin Doyle on Clarindo Andre Santos. Clarindo Andre Santos restarts play with the free kick. 41:30 The official flags Stephen Ward offside. Free kick taken by Wojciech Szczesny. 39:16 Free kick taken by Mikel Arteta. 39:16 Booking Booking for Kevin Doyle. 39:10 Unfair challenge on Mikel Arteta by Kevin Doyle results in a free kick. 34:25 Unfair challenge on Mikel Arteta by Michael Kightly results in a free kick. Free kick taken by Mikel Arteta. 28:11 Clarindo Andre Santos has an effort at goal from just outside the box which goes wide of the right-hand post. 22:58 Inswinging corner taken by Matthew Jarvis from the left by-line, Wojciech Szczesny makes a save. 22:14 Outswinging corner taken by Michael Kightly from the right by-line, Christophe Berra takes a shot. Blocked by Bacary Sagna. 18:00 Free kick awarded for a foul by Kevin Doyle on Mikel Arteta. Free kick taken by Aaron Ramsey. 14:44 Yossi Benayoun has an effort at goal from the edge of the box that misses to the right of the target. 10:32 The assist for the goal came from Robin van Persie. 10:32 Goal scored
Goal - Theo Walcott - Wolves 0 - 2 Arsenal A goal is scored by Theo Walcott from inside the penalty area to the bottom right corner of the goal. Wolverhampton 0-2 Arsenal. 10:06 Unfair challenge on Thomas Vermaelen by David Edwards results in a free kick. Thomas Vermaelen takes the direct free kick. 9:15 Substitution Christophe Berra on for David Davis. 8:29 Assist by Theo Walcott. 8:29 Goal scored Goal - Robin van Persie - Wolves 0 - 1 Arsenal Placed penalty scored by Robin van Persie. Wolverhampton 0-1 Arsenal. 7:17
Dismissal Sebastien Bassong receives a red card. 7:00 Sebastien Bassong challenges Theo Walcott unfairly and gives away a Penalty. 3:15 Robin van Persie takes a shot. Wayne Hennessey makes a save. 3:02 Robin van Persie takes a inswinging corner from the right by-line to the near post, Stephen Ward makes a clearance. 2:38 The ball is sent over by Bacary Sagna, Sebastien Bassong manages to make a clearance. 2:38 Bacary Sagna produces a cross, David Davis makes a clearance. 0:00 The game gets underway.


TEAM NEWS

Wolves boss Terry Connor has reported no fresh injury concerns ahead of Wednesday's match.
Injured trio Jamie O'Hara, Stephen Hunt and Jody Craddock remain Wolves' only unavailable players.
Arsenal defender Johan Djourou could replace Laurent Koscielny, who begins a two-game ban after collecting his 10th booking of the season.
The Gunners will assess Kieran Gibbs, who was substituted on Sunday after appearing to pick up an injury.
MATCH PREVIEW

Wolves fans will fear the assassin's final coup de grace from the sharp-shooting Gunners. Arsenal supporters will expect a win that will take them another step closer to securing a Champions League place. But beware!
“With out of form players fighting among themselves and others already linked with summer moves, Wanderers are unravelling”
"He's mad that trusts in the tameness of a wolf." Even King Lear's Fool would be guarded against complacency.
Wolves look like no-hopers. But then they did last season at home to Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United and won all three. The form guide suggested an Arsenal cruise at QPR in their last away game. They suffered an untimely defeat.
The home side, having had an extra day to prepare for this, must surely fight tooth and nail to save their Premier League lives. Anything short of 100% commitment would be inexcusable.
If Arsenal score first though, that should be that. They've won eight of their last nine Premier League games. They've kept four clean sheets in their last six matches in all competitions. And they've won 12 of their last 13 meetings with Wolves.
Robin van Persie is overdue a goal. He's not scored in his last four starts - his worst run since August 2009. Wolves haven't kept a Premier League clean sheet in seven months. They've looked shambolic.
Owner Steve Morgan was ill-advised to storm into the dressing room after one defeat, before later sacking Mick McCarthy. Rumours about Paul Ince or Ole Gunnar Solskjaer becoming the new manager have totally undermined Terry Connor - a deserving man who was given an impossible job.
The club will issue the party line insisting there is still unity, but with out-of-form players fighting among themselves and others already linked with summer moves, Wanderers are unravelling.
No side with their points tally at this stage has escaped Premier League relegation. They already look doomed whatever happens in this one. But Arsenal must make sure they're not wounded by a cornered beast.
MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head
The 1-1 draw between the sides on 27 December gave Wolves their first Premier League point against Arsenal.
Wolves had lost their previous 12 league and cup games against the Gunners.
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Wolves
The Molineux club have claimed 22 points from their opening 32 games. No Premier League club has ever avoided relegation with so few points at this stage.
If Wolves concede they will have gone 30 Premier League games without a clean sheet.
Wolves have won just two of the eight league games in which they scored first this season (W2, D1, L5) - the worst record in the top flight.
Arsenal
They have won eight of their last nine league games, keeping clean sheets in three of their previous four matches.
The Gunners have drawn just four league games this term - Bolton (two) are the only top-flight side who have shared the points on fewer occasions.
Only Arsenal (19) have recovered more points from losing positions than Wolves (14) in the Premier League this season.

and Sky Sports said

Terry Connor: Looking for the first win of his managerial career at the eighth attempt

Form Guide:
Wolves: LLLLLL
Arsenal: WWWWLW

Injuries:
Wolves: Craddock, Hunt, O'Hara.
Arsenal: Mertesacker, Wilshere.

Suspensions:
Wolves:
Arsenal: Koscielny

Referee: Neil Swarbrick

Sky Bet odds: Wolves 7/1, Arsenal 4/11, Draw 4/1

Opta Stat: Only Arsenal (19) have recovered more points from losing positions than Wolves (14) in the Premier League this season.

Arsenal will be aiming to strengthen their hold on a Champions League spot when they take on bottom club Wolves at Molineux on Wednesday.  The Gunners are brimming with confidence after dashing Manchester City's title hopes at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.  Eight wins in nine games have lifted Arsene Wenger's men above Tottenham into third and victory here would give them a five-point advantage over their arch-rivals with just five matches remaining.  The picture is somewhat bleaker for the home team with Terry Connor still searching for his first win as Wolves boss.  A promising point at Newcastle in his first game in charge has been followed by six straight defeats, despite Wolves taking the lead in their last three games.  With rumours of unrest in the dressing room and anger in the stands, there are unlikely to be any home comforts for Connor's team - they have lost their last seven matches at Molineux.  And defeat here could leave Wolves as many as nine points from safety and facing near-certain relegation.

Team news

Connor could be tempted to recall Kevin Doyle after opting to start with Sylvan Ebanks-Blake against Bolton and Stoke.  But his chief concern will be finding a solution to his leaky defence.  Despite twice dropping skipper Roger Johnson, the former Birmingham man could be in line for another recall after Wolves stretched their run of games without a clean sheet to 29 in the defeat at Stoke.  Wenger will be forced to tinker with his own defence due to the suspension Laurent Koscielny picked up against Manchester City. Johan Djourou will be favourite to fill the void.   Andre Santos may also be in line for a start after replacing Kieran Gibbs in the second half on Sunday.  Arsenal could welcome back Gervinho, who missed the City win with a knock. But Abou Diaby and Francis Coquelin are major doubts due to hamstring injuries.  Long-term absentees Per Mertesacker and Jack Wilshere remain sidelined.

Possible starting XIs
Wolves: Hennessey; Zubar, Stearman, Bassong, Ward; Kightly, Henry, Edwards, Jarvis; Doyle, Fletcher.
Arsenal: Szczesny; Sagna, Djourou, Vermaelen, A.Santos; Song, Arteta, Rosicky; Walcott, Van Persie, Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Saturday 7th April Stoke City 2  (Huth 37, Crouch 61) Wolves 1(Kightly 26)  ko 17:30 (live on ESPN)

At last some form of justice with Karl Henry restored to the captaincy and Johnson relegated to the bench, but it wasn’t enough to prevent another loss and for TC to equal the useless Tommy Docherty’s 6 record losses in the top flight, and and all time record lack of clean sheets. Just remains to find out who leaves in the summer.

After a spirited performance at the Britannia Stadium, Wolves were left with nothing to show for their efforts as Stoke hit back from a goal down to take the points and leave the Molineux side needing a dramatic change of fortune if they are to retain their Premier League status. Karl Henry returned as captain and there was also a place for Ronald Zubar with Roger Johnson and David Davis both named as substitutes.

The visitors kicked off defending the end of the ground that housed around a thousand supporters that had made the short trip up the M6 from South Staffordshire. In the first minute Richard Stearman blocked from Jonathan Walters for a corner that was taken by Matthew Etherington and that flew out on the far side of goal and with no-one getting a touch. Then Ryan Shotton attempted a 30-yard chip over Wayne Hennessey but his effort was far too high. In the 11th minute, a short corner from Matt Jarvis was played back by Michael Kightly to Stephen Ward who fired over the bar. Stearman blocked an Etherington cross at the near post and then Peter Crouch headed Marc Wilson's centre on to Walters who headed wide of the target. On 26 minutes Wolves took the lead after being awarded a free-kick wide on the right. Kightly lofted the ball into the box and Dave Edwards took a swing at the ball but completely missed it. His movement, though, distracted home keeper Asmir Begovic and the ball ended up in the back of the net. Ryan Shotton's long throw was hooked clear by Henry before Robert Huth could take advantage, and then Kightly and Shotton were yellow carded after a brief skirmish outside the Wolves box. Etherington took the free-kick and Ronald Zubar headed the ball out but only as far as Glenn Whelan. He nodded the ball back into the box and Dean Whitehead chested down for Huth to fire Stoke onto level terms. In the minutes leading up to the break Marc Wilson sent a dipping volley inches over Hennessey's bar and Walters headed straight at the keeper after meeting an Etherington centre.

Half-Time: Stoke 1 Wolves 1

Three minutes after the restart Shotton's foul on Kightly led to a Stephen Fletcher free-kick that was comfortably saved Begovic. Then, after a Huth foul on Sylvan Ebanks-Blake, Kightly lifted the free-kick into the box and Sebastien Bassong headed wide. Fletcher just failed to meet a return pass from Jarvis as Wolves looked to regain the advantage with neither keeper being overworked. A dubious free-kick decision saw Stoke take the lead in the 61st minute. Ward was harshly penalised for a challenge on Jermaine Pennant and when the former Liverpool man hoisted the free-kick into the box, Crouch rose and directed a header past Hennessey. A great run by Jarvis took him past Shawcross but Huth was there to clear the winger's cross. Jarvis fired into the side netting after Henry had set up a shooting opportunity, and Shawcross headed wide at the near post after a teasing centre from Pennant. No-one could fault Wolves for their lack of effort but little went their way and in the dying seconds a Kightly shot the turn was saved by Begovic.

City: Begovic, Shotton, Shawcross (capt), Huth, Wilson, Pennant (Palacios 86), Whelan, Whitehead, Etherington (Jerome 69), Walters, Crouch (Delap (90+1). Unused subs: Sorensen, Jones, Fuller, Upson. Booking: Etherington (35 - unsporting behaviour).

Wolves: Hennessey, Zubar, Ward, Edwards, Bassong, Stearman, Kightly, Henry (capt) (Davis 86), Ebanks-Blake (Doyle 83), Fletcher, Jarvis. Unused subs: De Vries, Johnson, Berra, Milijaš, Forde. Booking: Jarvis (35 - unsporting behaviour).

Referee: M. Halsey. Attendance: 27,005.

The Beeb said

Wolves' hopes of avoiding relegation from the Premier League suffered a serious blow as Stoke came from behind to win at the Britannia Stadium.

Home keeper Asmir Begovic's error to let Michael Kightly's pass bounce past him and in to the net gave the visitors hope of snatching a vital victory.

But the lead lasted just over 10 minutes as Robert Huth hammered Stoke level from inside the box.

Peter Crouch's looping header consigned Wanderers to another damaging defeat.

Terry Connor's side remain stranded at the bottom of the Premier League, six points from safety with just six games remaining - the result of a disastrous run of eight matches without a win since the former assistant manager's elevation to the hottest of Molineux seats.

With three of their relegation rivals losing earlier on Saturday, Wolves could not have asked for better circumstances to secure a confidence-boosting victory to claw their way back into the battle against the drop.

However, for all their effort - and the occasional flash of brilliance from wingers Kightly and Matt Jarvis - Wanderers simply did not demonstrate enough quality to suggest they are capable of halting their quiet slide into the Championship.

Wolves' woe

Wolves defeat is their sixth in a row in the Premier League. This is their longest losing run in the top flight since a six-match streak from March to April 1982 (under the hapless Tommy Docherty)

But for Begovic's howler - which saw him sufficiently distracted by the run and air-shot from Dave Edwards to allow Kightly's forward pass to find the net unchallenged - the visitors would barely have tested the home keeper.

This was not from a lack of trying by the Wolves wide-men, who demonstrated an alertness their striking colleagues could not match.

Their only other opportunities came from set-pieces, one of which was headed just wide by defender Sebastien Bassong.

City were not much better. The Potters crafted clearer chances but lacked the intensity that has made the Britannia such an unhappy venue for opposition sides and they looked like a side seeing out a heavy season - this was their 50th game of the campaign.

That said, they should have led before Wolves' opener but somehow Jonathan Walters conspired to head wide from five yards with an open goal in front of him following Crouch's downward header.

After conceding, Stoke struck back quickly as Huth smashed home from 15 yards after Ryan Shawcross had chested into his path.

The second half was not an improvement on the first but it did contain the game's decisive moment as Crouch rose to loop a header over Wayne Hennessey and into the far corner of the net.

Stoke manager Tony Pulis: "We are safe and it's a fabulous achievement. The commitment and energy was fantastic.

"If Wolves can win three games on the bounce then they will change their situation. They've got a lot to play for.

"I would personally take Peter [Crouch to Euro 2012 with England]. He's a game changer. The thing with Crouchy is he scores all types of goals."

Wolves manager Terry Connor: "I think we did enough to take a draw. The lads put in a tremendous effort.

"I don't feel there was a foul committed for the winner.

"I've asked the lads for tremendous effort, which they're giving. We'll keep going until the end of the season."

LINEUP, BOOKINGS (2) & SUBSTITUTIONS (5)

Stoke City

01 Begovic

04 Huth

17 Shawcross

30 Shotton

06 Whelan

12 Wilson

16 Pennant (Palacios - 86' )

18 Whitehead

26 Etherington Booked (Jerome - 69' )

19 Walters

25 Crouch (Delap - 90' )

Substitutes

29 Sorensen

20 Upson

24 Delap

40 Palacios

09 Jones

10 Fuller

33 Jerome

Wolverhampton Wanderers

01 Hennessey

05 Stearman

11 Ward

21 Bassong

23 Zubar

04 Edwards

07 Kightly Booked

08 Henry (Davis - 86' )

17 Jarvis

09 Ebanks-Blake (Doyle - 83' )

10 Fletcher

Substitutes

31 De Vries

14 Johnson

16 Berra

20 Milijas

26 Davis

37 Forde

29 Doyle

Ref: Halsey

Att: 27,005

MATCH STATS

Possession

55%

45%

95mins

Stoke City

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Shots

149

On target

65

Corners

38

Fouls

711

Live Text Commentary

90:00 +3:41 The match has reached full-time. 88:30 Kevin Doyle takes a shot. Save by Asmir Begovic. 90:00 +0:46 Asmir Begovic takes the free kick. 90:00 +0:46 Substitution

Substitution

Rory Delap replaces Peter Crouch. 90:00 +0:46 Kevin Doyle gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Ryan Shawcross. 88:30 Kevin Doyle takes a shot. Save made by Asmir Begovic. 88:03 Sebastien Bassong crosses the ball, Marc Wilson manages to make a clearance. 87:16 Free kick awarded for a foul by Marc Wilson on Michael Kightly. Free kick taken by Michael Kightly. 85:57 Substitution Wilson Palacios joins the action as a substitute, replacing Jermaine Pennant. 85:21 Substitution David Davis on for Karl Henry. 84:37 Inswinging corner taken by Matthew Jarvis. 82:33 Substitution Sylvan Ebanks-Blake leaves the field to be replaced by Kevin Doyle. 79:09 Michael Kightly takes a outswinging corner. 78:47 Michael Kightly takes a shot. Blocked by Glenn Whelan. 76:59 Robert Huth challenges Sylvan Ebanks-Blake unfairly and gives away a free kick. Ronald Zubar takes the free kick. 75:20 Headed effort from deep inside the area by Ryan Shawcross misses to the right of the goal. 74:11 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Jonathan Walters by Richard Stearman. Jermaine Pennant takes the free kick. 73:17 The ball is swung over by Jermaine Pennant, Richard Stearman makes a clearance. 70:28 Matthew Jarvis produces a right-footed shot from deep inside the penalty box which goes wide of the left-hand post. 69:28 The referee blows for offside against Jermaine Pennant. Wayne Hennessey takes the indirect free kick. 68:23 Substitution Cameron Jerome comes on in place of Matthew Etherington. 67:29 A cross is delivered by Matthew Jarvis, Glenn Whelan gets a block in. 66:51 The assistant referee flags for offside against Sylvan Ebanks-Blake. Marc Wilson takes the free kick. 66:09 Inswinging corner taken by Matthew Jarvis from the left by-line played to the near post, Robert Huth manages to make a clearance. 65:54 The ball is swung over by Michael Kightly, clearance made by Ryan Shotton. 64:00 Handball decision goes against Richard Stearman. Asmir Begovic restarts play with the free kick. 63:27 Corner taken by Michael Kightly from the right by-line. 63:14 The ball is sent over by Matthew Jarvis, clearance made by Marc Wilson. 62:09 Corner from the right by-line taken by Matthew Etherington, Headed effort from inside the penalty area by Peter Crouch misses to the right of the target. 60:46 Assist on the goal came from Jermaine Pennant. 60:46 Goal scored Goal - Peter Crouch - Stoke 2 - 1 Wolves

Peter Crouch finds the back of the net with a headed goal from inside the penalty box. Stoke 2-1 Wolverhampton. 60:02 Stephen Ward challenges Jermaine Pennant unfairly and gives away a free kick. The ball is sent over by Jermaine Pennant, 58:07 Jermaine Pennant is caught offside. Wayne Hennessey restarts play with the free kick. 57:10 Sebastien Bassong gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Jonathan Walters. Jermaine Pennant restarts play with the free kick. 56:36 Centre by Ronald Zubar, Robert Huth manages to make a clearance. 54:51 Unfair challenge on Peter Crouch by Ronald Zubar results in a free kick. Marc Wilson takes the free kick. 54:35 Ryan Shawcross delivers the ball. 52:05 Unfair challenge on Sylvan Ebanks-Blake by Robert Huth results in a free kick. The ball is delivered by Michael Kightly, Close range header by Sebastien Bassong goes wide of the left-hand post. 50:50 Ryan Shawcross is ruled offside. Wayne Hennessey takes the indirect free kick. 48:08 Ryan Shotton concedes a free kick for a foul on Michael Kightly. Steven Fletcher produces a shot on goal direct from the free kick, save by Asmir Begovic. 47:15 Richard Stearman gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Jonathan Walters. Direct free kick taken by Glenn Whelan. 46:57 A cross is delivered by Stephen Ward, clearance made by Robert Huth. 46:41 The ball is crossed by Stephen Ward, Dean Whitehead makes a clearance. 45:31 Michael Kightly takes a outswinging corner from the right by-line played to the near post, clearance made by Glenn Whelan. 45:12 Glenn Whelan produces a cross, clearance made by Richard Stearman. 45:01 The referee blows his whistle to start the second half. 45:00 +2:26 The referee blows for half time. 45:00 +1:39 Foul by Glenn Whelan on Steven Fletcher, free kick awarded. Free kick taken by Michael Kightly. 45:00 +0:14 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Jonathan Walters by Richard Stearman. Strike on goal comes in from Jermaine Pennant from the free kick. 43:55 Michael Kightly takes the outswinging corner, Steven Fletcher challenges Robert Huth unfairly and gives away a free kick. Asmir Begovic takes the direct free kick. 42:15 Jonathan Walters takes a shot. Save by Wayne Hennessey. 42:15 Ryan Shawcross takes a shot. Save by Wayne Hennessey. 39:23 Marc Wilson takes a shot. 38:40 Ryan Shawcross takes a shot. Save made by Wayne Hennessey. 37:45 Free kick awarded for a foul by Sebastien Bassong on Jonathan Walters. Free kick taken by Jermaine Pennant. 36:13 Ryan Shawcross provided the assist for the goal. 36:13 Goal scored Goal - Robert Huth - Stoke 1 - 1 Wolves Robert Huth scores a goal from the edge of the area to the bottom right corner of the goal. Stoke 1-1 Wolverhampton. 35:15 Matthew Etherington delivers the ball from the free kick left-footed from left wing, Sebastien Bassong makes a clearance. 35:15 Booking Michael Kightly is shown a yellow card. 35:09 Booking Matthew Etherington shown a yellow card. 34:20 Unfair challenge on Matthew Etherington by Michael Kightly results in a free kick. 33:29 Peter Crouch produces a right-footed shot from just outside the box that goes wide right of the goal. 32:30 Pass corner from right by-line crossed in by Michael Kightly, clearance by Peter Crouch. 30:42 Michael Kightly takes a shot. Dean Whitehead gets a block in. 29:47 David Edwards takes a shot. Save by Asmir Begovic. 25:39 The assist for the goal came from David Edwards. Robert Huth takes a shot. Karl Henry gets a block in. 25:39 Goal scored Goal - Michael Kightly - Stoke 0 - 1 Wolves Michael Kightly finds the net with a goal from just outside the area to the bottom right corner of the goal. Stoke 0-1 Wolverhampton. 25:38 Michael Kightly produces a cross, 25:18 The ball is delivered by Matthew Etherington, Sebastien Bassong manages to make a clearance. 24:01 Free kick awarded for a foul by Steven Fletcher on Ryan Shawcross. Asmir Begovic takes the free kick. 23:06 Jonathan Walters takes a shot. Sebastien Bassong gets a block in. 23:05 Jonathan Walters produces a header from close range which goes wide of the left-hand upright. 22:37 Peter Crouch has a headed effort at goal from close in which goes wide left of the target. 21:33 Centre by Matthew Jarvis, Ryan Shawcross manages to make a clearance. 21:33 Ryan Shawcross crosses the ball, clearance by Matthew Jarvis. 20:23 Inswinging corner taken by Jermaine Pennant from the left by-line. 20:06 The ball is sent over by Matthew Etherington, clearance by Richard Stearman. 19:06 Matthew Jarvis produces a cross, clearance made by Marc Wilson. 15:39 The offside flag is raised against Jonathan Walters. Indirect free kick taken by Wayne Hennessey. 13:43 Sylvan Ebanks-Blake takes a shot. Save made by Asmir Begovic. 9:50 Matthew Jarvis decides to take the corner short, Effort from just outside the area by Stephen Ward goes over the bar. 7:58 The ball is sent over by Matthew Jarvis, clearance by Ryan Shawcross. 6:22 Jonathan Walters takes a shot. 5:29 Glenn Whelan gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Ronald Zubar. Wayne Hennessey takes the direct free kick. 4:42 Free kick awarded for a foul by Marc Wilson on Michael Kightly. Direct free kick taken by Michael Kightly. 0:54 Matthew Etherington takes a corner. 0:00 The match begins.

TEAM NEWS

Stoke manager Tony Pulis has doubts surrounding three key players ahead of the visit of Wolves.

Defender Andy Wilkinson is nursing a groin problem and wingers Matthew Etherington and Jermaine Pennant have ankle injuries.

Wolves midfielder Karl Henry could be recalled against his former club after playing for the reserves in midweek following his recent hamstring problem.

Jamie O'Hara and Stephen Hunt both underwent groin surgery this week.

MATCH PREVIEW

Two months ago Wolves emerged victorious from a must-win game against QPR at Loftus Road, elevating themselves out of the bottom three and some five points above 20th-placed Wigan.

In the subsequent seven matches, however, it's all gone very badly wrong. They've accumulated just one more point, changed their manager and shipped a mind-boggling 24 goals in the process. They've now replaced Wigan at the bottom, some six points adrift of those immediately above them.

It all means Wolves now need a herculean effort from their remaining seven games, as with the other bottom five incumbents picking up points, Terry Connor's charges may need as many as five more wins to stand any chance of survival. It's a particularly sobering thought for a side who've only won five games all season and just once in their last 17!

Their first challenge is a sizeable one in itself as they seek to overcome Stoke at the Britannia Stadium. It comes only two weeks after Manchester City became the latest to discover what a very tall order winning there can be. On their last visit a year ago Wolves succumbed 3-0.

Saturday's hosts, though, are winless in their last four league games. In a season which saw them embrace European football so successfully and reach an FA Cup quarter-final, manager Tony Pulis has warned his players against allowing a previously memorable campaign to fizzle out.

Having performed so poorly in defeat at Wigan last weekend, it would seem inconceivable that they could do so again, especially in front of their own raucous supporters.

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

Stoke are attempting to beat Wolves home and away for the first time in a season since 1995-96.

Wolves have failed to win in their last four league visits to Stoke since a 3-1 victory in the Championship in September 2005 (D3, L1).

Stoke

They are winless in four league matches (D2, L2).

The Potters have not scored in the first half of their last five league matches. The only time they have done so in the last 11 games was in the 2-0 home win against Swansea on 26 February.

Stoke and Wigan have scored the fewest goals in the division (29).

The same two clubs have used the joint fewest players (23 each) this season.

Dean Whitehead is poised to make his 100th league appearance for Stoke, while Cameron Jerome awaits his 200th career league start.

Wolves

Wolves have picked up the fewest points in the Premier League in 2012 (five).

Terry Connor's side are winless in seven matches, losing six of those and conceding 24 goals.

The league's bottom side unsurprisingly have the joint worst away record in the division, with 11 points from 15 matches.

They have not kept a clean sheet in their last 28 league matches - the third-longest such run by a Premier League club. West Brom conceded in 34 consecutive matches in the 2010-11 season, and Blackburn in 30 games spanning last year and this.

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